WEST COAST NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3455, 1 June 1920, Page 26

WEST COAST NEWS.

(Fhom Gob Own oorkespond2NT.) GREYMOUTH, May 24,

Great interest has been taken during the past "week in the visit to the district of the Hon.' J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Works. Though his visit was only a hurried one, elaborate arrangements were made to enable him to become acquainted with the most urgent needs of the district. Ho was met a+.-o'tira by members of the Westland local bodies, and met deputations at Kumara en route to Hokitika. In the southern portion of the district, where public works are most urgently needed, over 30 district and important requirements wore brought under his notice, matters involving in requested grants and authority to expand moneys already voted, a sum of over £IO,OOO, besides several other matters of importance for which no definite figure was quoted. In the -Grey county, besides urgent requirements m roads and bridges, the chief need's submitted for his consideration were hydro-electricitv and improvements and alterations in the telephone system. Social functions were arranged in his honour in both Hokitika and Greymouth by the Returned Soldiers' Associations. Tho Minister, before leaving for Rcefton, was motored to the Ten Mile to 'inspect the bridge on the Barrytown road, which will cost about £IO.OOO. He has created by his visit a favourable impression,, and though his replies to the various deputations were necessarily non-committal, hopes are confidently entertained that, under his Regime, there will be a revival of public works throughout the province.

—Otira Tunnel. —

The Otira tunnel has now been excavated to full dimensions to a distance of one mile 37 chains at the Arthur's Pass end. where 55 men are working, and the lining has been completed to within four chains of that distance. At the Otira end 150 men are employed The Minister of Public Works, while "in Greyraouth, mentioned that the engineers had assured him that tl*e tunnel would be completed in 12 months' time, though the electrification, the greater part of the machincrv for which was already under order, would take 18 months. Without being unduly optimistic, he hoped to see the tunnel in working order in .two years' time. Several engineer officers of H.M.S. Renown visited the tunnel during the Prince's visit, and were greatly interested in the Levner machine which i%, being used for sharpening and tempering the steel drills. i —Transport of Stock. —

Farmers and auctioneering firms have frequently- been subjected to inconvenience and loss through tho uncertainty _of securing waggons oh th.-- Canterbury railway section for" tho conveyance of stock to Belfast and Aldington, when they have bespoken trucks en this side of the ranges. Firms have now received advice from the district traffic manager that henceforth the Railway Department will hold itself responsible for tho nece-ssarv connection. Orders will be received for Otirn, and waggons will be provided at Arthur's Pass when a supply is available h( re. This arrangement will be a great relief to dealers in stock, and will enable them U> transact' business with confidence. Coal Development. — The development of coal areas continues to be vigorously prosecuted in the district. Applications, have recently been made for areas in the Wallsend district. The owner of the Dobson Mine has just arranged for the prospecting _of his property at Stillwater, and boring operations have been commenced. Operations at the Dobson Mine are progressing rapidly. A water race is now being constructed, which will be carried right through to the machinery, so that the dip drive will, in a few weeks, be power driven. Contracts for Public Works.— The State Coal Mines held a meeting a few days ago to consider the action of the Government in getting private contracts for work in connection with the construction of the branch railway line to the new Seven Mile State Coal Mine. _ They passed' a resolution protesting against a reversion to this system, which had been professedly abolished years ago by the introduction of legislation pvovidincr for a system of day labour, with a modified form of co-operative contracting. The meeting threatened that if the present policy was -persisted in. a conference of labour unions would be called to decide upon further action. Hospital Affairs. — The medical superintendent of the Grey River Hospital reported to a recent meeting of the board that on a recent order for drugs, dressings, and apparatus, which. on his recommendation, had been placed with the Defence Department, a saving had been made, on tho basis even of last year's prices, of £330 on an order of £430. The fund for the X-ray plant having been over subscribed, plans for the necessary room were approved, and it was resolved to call for tenders for its immediate erection. The plant to be installed will bo fully up-to-date. It was decided to inquire from the : Minister of Public Works as to whether his department will provide plans for the new Old Peonlc's Home, and also to apply to I the Health Department for a special grant towards the building. Westland Minors' Association.— Tho Westland Miners' Association is taking active, steps to secure all possible timber reservations in mining localities for mining purposes. This is bringing them into close competition with sawmillcrs, who, on their part, are endeavouring to obtain every acre of available forest for their own industry.

The American Syndicate at Rimu Flat is making rapid progress with their mining development work. Last week they_ completed the excavation for the construction of their dredge. Several new mining ventures are being discussed, and it is probable that early developments will be reported. Waterside. — It is a long time- since there was such a complete dearth of shipping at Greymouth as at present. Stormy weather in other places and a heavy sea on the bar here have interfered sadly with the shipping. Eleven, steamers are now due in port. .jThe secretary of the Watersiders' Union stated recently that for three or four weeks_ past,, through the abnormal scarcity of shipping, not more than 15 per cent, of the watersiders had had any work. Grcymouth Competitions.— The West Coast Competitions' Committee have decided to hold the annual competitions this year from September 6 to 13. An effort will be made to again secure the services oi Mr Farquhar Young as elocutionary judge.