HANMER HOT SPRINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 32

HANMER HOT SPRINGS.

HANMER SPRINGS, March 6,

The Hon. T; Mackenzie arrived at Hanmer yesterday, and was waited upon by a deputation, which brought several matters under his notice. Amongst the requests made was one that the Government should take over the control of the township, so that drainage, lighting, sanitation, and like matters might be properly attended to. It was asked that steps be taken to ensure the purity of the water supply in flood, and that higher-powered motor cars should be used "between Hanmer and Culverden, as visitors were now put to considerable inconvenience owing to somewhat frequent breakdowns. Replying, the Minister said that the matters mentioned involved a question of ways and means. For 11 months last year the revenue from all sources at Hanmer totalled £1353, whilst the expenditure amounted to £3294—0r a loss of over £I9OO for that period. These figures included the allowance made for the free treatment of indigent patients, for the reduced charge to members cf friendly societies, and for charitable aid patients. Until he could see some means of increasing the revenue he was not disposed to agree to any heavy immediate expenditure. He was of opinion that the attractions, of Hanmer were not well enough known, and he intimated that he would send Mr MacDonald, the department's photographer, to the district to take views of the township and the beauty spots in its vicinity. He was also of opinion that the suitability of Hanmer as a winter resort was not widely enough known. He intended looking into the question of ensuring the purity of the water supply and drainage,, and he would discuss the. motor car service with the Minister of Railways. As to the Government taking over the control of the township, whilst that was theoretically all right, it would not be satisfactory, as far as his experience of Government control of Rotorua went. If the township could be taken over on business lines, then a great deal of aood might be done.