PUBLIC WORKS

Otago Witness, Issue 3455, 1 June 1920, Page 42

PUBLIC WORKS

A MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

BLENHEIM, May 24.

The Hon. J. G. Coatea arrived at Blenheim to-night, and was welcomed by the Mayor and councillors. He received deputations in regard to hydro-oleotrics, a continuous telephone service for Blenheim, a road from Blenheim to the West Coast, and the completion of the South Island trunk railway. Mr Coates, in reply, said that the time had come to face these problems, and they had to be faced in a business-like way. One of the difficulties was the question of labour, which he was sure would be ovcrcome, but the greater difficulty was. the question of material. The methods .of the past were out of date. Things have to bo tackled in a new order and in.a new way to-day. It was not wise to use man where they could use machinery. It was necessary to get money, though it was not his department. It was impossible to get the necessary equipment and material. Largo orders had already been given so that when the work was commenced they would have the stuff to do the work with. His intention was to impress on the Government that important works should be done, and an endeavour made to carry out the plans in the best and most economical way. With regard to the question of hydro-eiectrio power, an engineer would visit the district in September. In regard to the West Coast road, he said he, would have a report made by his_ engineers; he would also get a report in regard to a continuous telephonic service. He would not make a promise regarding the South Island trunk line. It was very desirable that they should have it completed. In accordance with the importance of the works they would be placed on the list. _ This list would be placed before the Cabinet, and the works would be judged on their merits. What they aimed at was the opening up of the country to settlers, which was the mosjt important thing to* consider. The. South Island main trunk line would have his most careful consideration. Ho emphasised that the Public Works Department wanted to be in touch with the various local bodies of the country. He wanted to havo their confidence, and they would have the department's confidence. He had a scheme to settle the vexed question of main roads. There _ were different conditions in different districts. If it was going to encourage production, he would give transport facilities, and his scheme had in view the bringing about of a better understanding in regard to these matters with various local bodies.