HON. J. G. COATES

Otago Witness, Issue 3494, 22 February 1921, Page 19

HON. J. G. COATES

VISIT TO CATLINS DISTRICT. (From Our Own Reporter.) BALCLUTHA, February 14. The Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister of Public Works) accompanied by Mr A. S. Malcolm, AI.P., Air Furkert (Engineer-in-chief), Mr L. Birks (Chief Electric Engineer), and Air Campbell (District Engineer of Public Works), travelled from Waimahaka through the Catlins district to-day. At Chaslands he was met by a number of the settlers, who had local wants, and at Papatowai they inspected the site of a bridge across the Tahakopa, which has been let to Alessrs Knewstubb Bros. (Port Chalmers), who will, no doubt, proceed with the construction at the earliest possible moment. At Papatowai the Alinister was met by a number of settlers, from the main Waikawa road, who urged that the long-pro mised connection with Alaclennan River railway station, by the Puaho road, should be given effect to. The Alinister assured the deputation that the promises made in this matier would be carried out. The settlers also represented their desires in regard to work on the main Waikawa road, and urged that another crusher should be set to work preparing metal for the contracts that are to be let. The department’s intentions and difficult es were explained to the settlers, who appeared to be well satisfied. Mr Lawson, member for the riding, took the opportunity of thanking the Minister for letting the contract for the bridge at Papatowai, a work which he said would be of the utmost value to the whole district. At Tahakopa a large deputation urged that the roads for a radius of two miles round the railway station should all be metalled. The Minister asked the settlers what they were willing to do in the matter, and said he would like some assurance from them as to the money they would raise, if only as an evidence of their good faith in the matter. At the junction of the road to Puketiro railway station the settlers urged, first, that the vote of £3OO for this road should be spent during this summer, and that the road should be metalled; and thirdly, that the Minister should consider the matter of having the whole length of the two miles to the gtation put in hand on a future occasion. The Alinister explained the difficulties that has been met with in spending a vote of £3uo. and the discussion with those present will probably lead to the work being advanced through the interest of the settlers themselves. As to the 10 chains mentioned, the Alinister said nothing was on the Estimates for it, and that he could therefore give no promise, but would consider what could be done. Further along the road another bunch of settlers urged that the Purakauiti road, giving access to the Tarara Dairy Factory, should be improved. The Minister is to get a report on the matter. At Houipapa a number of Tawanui settlers urged that the various works in that district _ should be carried on with more expedition. The Minister again explained the department’s difficulties, and asked the settlers’ advice as to how these should best be surmounted. A general talk ensued, an d the Alinister said he would do all he comd to have the work carried out expeditiously. At Owalca a large deputation met the Minister to discuss the question of a bridge over the Catlins Lake, at Hinehine. The discussion threatened to turn into one on the mer.ts of the bridge, but it was pointed out that the department had already taken that into consideration, and had promised that a pound for pound subsidy would be given. The Alinister said the department’s promises would be kept, and Air Alaginnis, member for the riding, and others hoped that construction would no longer be held up. The question of expensive approaches is to be referred to the district office (Dunedin), from which a report will be received The Minister, who is also Postmaste': General, was also taken over the post office and the postmaster’s residence. It was urged that neither was in keeping with the work done at the office.

The party then proceeded to the beach below Port Molyneux, and on being met by Cr North and others, inspected the site for the desired road to the Nuggets fishing station, in order that fishermen and others might have a road along which they could got at any state of the tide when taking fish and other supplies to the market The Minister iniormed Alessrs Malcolm and North that he would expect the County Council to take the necessary steps to legalise the road, to acquire any necessary land, and to remove the fences, leaving the deputation under the impression that if this were done the Alinister would have the road made.

This concluded the work of a very long day, and the party reached Balelutba shortly after 8 p.m„ having been just 12 hours on the road..

The Alinister was greatly impressed with the Catlins district, especially with the value of the timber, which, he said, was a wonderful asset to Otago and Southland. He only wished that Auckland had a similar asset. He recognised that the country was in need of development, and all along showed himself willing to assist in that development on reasonable lines. He repeatedly explained that his actions were dependent on the amound of money that would be available for development, not only of the Catlins district, but the whole of New Zealand He appreciated the fact that many of the settlers had spent a lifetime in the district and recognised that they were men of sterling worth and the pioneers of the prosperity of the district. As to the soldiers. some of whom have settled in the Catlins. the Alinister said th c Government was determined to give them a good start, and that where their interests were affected the more favourable hearing would be given. It may safely be said that the Alinister v.as very greatly impressed with the d'strict, and what it is likely to become. The character of the country and its back blocks’ state appealed to him. and the district is likely to have a warm friend in hirn. VIM IT TO GREENFIELD AND ( LYDEVAI.E BALCLUTHA. February IS. Tlu: Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister of Public Works and Postmnster-gi neral), accompanied by Air F. Y\ . Furkert (Engineei-irto hief), Mr L. B. Campbell (District Engineer, Dunedin), Air T. R. Aickin (private secretary), and Alessrs A. S. Malcolm and J. Edie, M.P.’s for Chitha and Bruce, made a tour today covering (lie districts bordering Clutha

Valley on both sides as far as Tuapeka Alouth. A start was made at 9 a.m., and the party proceeded by Hillend across country to Greenfield, with the primary object of giving the Alinister an opportunity to observe the country that would be served by the railway on that side. Owing to the late start and a puncture on the road, the party did not get to Puketi, but proceeded direct from Greenfield to Tuapeka Mouth, where the Alinister was received by the local people and entertained by ladies to morning tea. The school children were granted a half-holiday and dismissed. The party, which now had the addition of a good number of Bruce councillors, crossed the Tuapeka Alouth ferry, 12 cars proceeding to Clydevale, where the local settlers turned out in force, and entertained the party at a public dinner. No deputations were taken in route during the day, it having been arranged that these would be received at Balclutha later. The Minister, however, delivered a speech after dinner, outlining his policy, and expressed thanks to the residents for the splendid reception that had been extended to him. The school children at Clydevale were also sent oil for the remainder of the day; the afternoon was spent in a visit through the Clydevale district and Pomahaka Downs. The Alinister had intended to go to the Clifton (Soldier) Settlement, but two further punctures necessitated the abandonment of this, also a trip through Te Houka, the deputations being timed to commence at Balclutha while the cars were still many miles away. It is curious that the Alinister’s ear should have experienced three punctures, all in one day, as it had travelled 2000 miles in the South Island without a mishap. Shortly after the return to Balclutha a large number of settlers from the Glut-ha Valley assembled at the County Council Chambers, where they were received by the Alinister, Alessrs Alalcolm and Edie introducing the speakers. the first request was for telephone facilities at Clydevale, and this was sympathetically received. Air Dayman (Tuapeka Alouth), on behalf of the resident— of the district, asked for a mail service between Tuapeka Alouth and Balclutha, explaining that at present the service was from Lawrence. The Alinister intimated that he was inclined to agree with the speaker, and said he would go into the question when fresh tenders were called. '1 he principal deputation was concerned with the matter oi railway up the Ciutlia A alley. Alessrs A. C. Keo (Clydevale), J. E. Keenan (Tuapeka Aioutii), vV. Hunt ((Pomahaka), J. White, R. Skinner, A. Craig (Greenfield), A, S. Malcolm, M.P., and J. Ed.e, M.P. for Bruce, all urged the importance of the railway. It was not a question of rute. They wanted a railway into the district, and wanted it quick. In reply, the Alinister congratulated the speakers upon the concise manner in which tiiey had put the matter. It did not take long, when going over the district, to come to the conclusion that there was a very high class of farmers in it. It was to a great extent a grain-growing' district, and while he did not know that it was the best in the dominion, as averred by Air Alalcolm, he had at any rate seen very little better, lie had been impressed with the district. It was growing a great deal of grain, and he quite realised that growers had a long way to cart it, and also a long way to cart manure. There was no doubt at all that a railway would assist them. Whether or not it would be of commercial value to the countiy lie could not say. They said it would be, and the matter would have to be gone into. He would ask the Engineer-in-Chief to complete the surveys as soon as he (Air Furkert) could arrange for an officer to be spared for the purpose. Air Morrison said he had been asked by the Clydevale people to ask the Alinister to have Pomahaka River bridge repaired without delay. He also asked for a bridge across the Molyneux somewhere near Clydevale. They were dependent upon a punt, and there was no bridge nearer than Balclutha. In flood times farmers had been unable to reach their homes at night. Air Alalcolm said, seeing the close settlement existing in the district, they considered they were entitled to a bridge. Air Allan (Greenfield) expressed the opinion that one bridge at a suitable site would do away with the three punts. The Alinister said the department was faced with tremendous bridging problems. Bridges over the Ciutha were not so important as were many others in the country. He considered it would be a reasonable proposition for the settlers to let the department know what they themselves were prepared t" do. He would be most pleased to go into the matter with the engineer. With regard to Pomahaka bridge, the work of repair would he started very soon, timber being now available. Air Alalcolm expressed the gratefulness of himself and his constituents to the Alinister. He said ho had hoped that the Alinister would have been able to spend a longer time in the electorate, but it was impossible. They were delighted, however, that he had come to see for himself the possibilities of the district and its requirements. The Minister to-morrow will visit the Bruce electorate under the conduct of Air Edie proceeding up the River road to Tua peka Alouth thence to Lawrence and Milton. PROBLEAI OF THE FLOODS. The Alinister of Public Works and Post-master-General (the Hon. J. G. Coates) with the Engineer-in-chief (Air F. W. Furkert), the District Engineer (Air 1.. 13. Campbell), and Air T. R. Aickin. private secretary, had another long and busy day on the 16th, travelling from Balclutha through the Lawrence and Waitahuna districts, Tokomairiro, and the Taieri, and arriving in Dunedin about 7.30 p.m. He was conducted by Air -J. Edie, M.P. for Bruce, and the Hon. D. T. Fleming also accompanied the party. Numerous matters were brought under the notice of the Alinister at various points throughout the trip, and Air Coates showed the same thoroughness as heretofore in his desire to grasp the needs of the districts as he went along. Leaving Balclutha at 8.30 he first proceeded to the ATntau bridge, where he was me! by Alessrs APSkimming and Smith vGo pointed out the old and unstable co - of the structure, and the dangers threatening it through changes in the river bed. Die .Minister recognised the whole position. satisfying himself that the bridge was approaching the end of its term—it Ims stood for nearly 50 years—and intimated thin the matter would receive consideration. The party next proceeded !>v the river road to Tuapeka Alouth. A halt was made for a few minutes at Greenfield, where Air Coates was received lay Air A. Craig, and addressed the school children, afterwards requesting that they should receive a haif-

holiday. Needless to say they were despatched forthwith. irom Tuapeka Mouth the oars took the Corkscrew route to Lawrence. At Bullin’s (Luapeka West) a gathering of some 30 settlers was met and morning tea had been prepared by the ladies of the district. Ihe Minister accepted the hospitality and listened to what the deputation had to say while the refreshments were enjoyed. Mr A. <J. Leary was the spokesman. The matters urged were the need of road improvement both to Tuapeka Mouth and to Lawrence, and the benefit the district would derive from a railway to Tuapeka Mouth. Ihe Minister intimated that he would see the road for himself as he went along. With regard to the railway, he had already told a deputation at Balclutha that the Various surveys would be completed as soon as the Engineer-in-chief could spare an officer for the work. The Minister reiterated his policy of completing unfinished works and bringing them to a profitable condition, and then taking other work in its sequence of urgency. The railway in question would in due course be allotted what was considered its proper place on the programme for Otago railways. Mr Leary also brought up the question of the hospital levy, and stated that Inunderstood that the Commission of Inquiry was to hear evidence in Wellington only. He (Mr Lea ry) expressed the belief that such a course would not he as satisfactory as the giving of an opportunity for evidence to be given nearer the districts concerned. The Minister, while not concurring with the speaker’s views, undertook to put the views of the deputation before the Hon. O. J. Parr and Mr Downie Stewart, who, he understood, was chairman of the commission. The Minister returned thanks for the hospitality tendered, and was given a cordial send-off. PROCEEDINGS AT LAWRENCE. On reaching Lawrence it was found that the Borough Council there had prepared to entertain the Minister and party to dinner. Before this function several matters were brought under notice. The most important was the vexed question of the ditch on the other side of the railway opposite the town, the Deputy-Mayor (Mr B. W. W inn) explaining the negotiations that had taken place with, the Railway Department and their failure to achieve any result. The Minister said he would look into tile matter later, which he did, personally examining the whole of the ground. Lie intimated that he could see nothing other than gain both to the Railway Department and the town if the proposal were carried into effect, and promised to bring the matter before the Minister of Railways, that being the department affected. Among other requests made was one for an up-to-date railway station. The Minister explained that this was outside his province, but pointed out that many very urgent works of a similar nature could not be undertaken at the present time, including the important cities of Wellington and Auckland. He undertook, however, to keep a note of the request, which affected the Minister of Railways, not himself. Mr A. Fraser urged the matter of State forestry in the district, and asked that the Chief Forester should report on the matter. To this request the (Minister made a favourable reply. The Mayor referred to a shortage of houses in the town, and the Minister undertook to lay the representations before the .Minister of Labour. Mr Coates delivered a speech in response to the toast of his health at dinner, outlining his attitude to the work he had undertaken as Minister of Public Works. He again insisted upon the necessity of developing for return, a policy particularly necessary in view of the uncertainty attending the future. He had seen a great deal of possible productivity in Central Otago, also in the country in the C'atiins district and elsewhere in Otago. He reminded those present, however, that there were great tracts of such country in various parts of the dominion, and especially in the north development Inis to be completed in considerable areas that had been in course of settlement for some time. He explained his desire to see for himself the requirements of the dominion, and his intention of carrying- out a policy that would help the dominion to meet its obligations. The speech was received most favourably, creating an excellent impressiou. WATTAHU.XA POST OFFICE. The party proceeded to Wait-ahuna, where a deputation interviewed the Minister with regard to the inadequacy of the post office for the requirements of the district. Mr Coates inspected the building, agreed with the deputation, and intimated that a new post office would be placed on the list of urgent works. Mr Edie remarked that it was the first promise he had heard the Minister make. The building is practically a shed—old, crowded, and inconvenient from every point of \ iew. MILTON. No delay was experienced on the road to Milton, but on the bridge entering the borough a party from the Tokomairiro County Council was encountered. The deputation, however, proved a harmless one. The bridge required renewal, but the money had been allocated, and all that was necessary _ was to proceed with the work. The Minister intimated that ho would expedite matters as quickly as possible. A stop was made at the post office, and the Minister inspected the building. The Mayor of the borough (Mr Rennie) later pointed out that the building was in a very had state, but rather than have money wasted they desired to wait till something substantial could be done. The Minister complimented the (Mayor on the attitude taken. Ho agreed that the building was in a bad way. Later he explained that the attitude be took with regard to post offices was that, in view of the possible financial stringency ahead of the dominion, there were more urgent works. He intimated, however, that as soon as finances allowed the Milton Post Office would lie one of the first to be dealt with. Mr Rennie also pointed out that there was a shortage of house accommodation, and suggested that ihe expenditure of from £IO,OOO to £20,000 in Milton would be very acceptable. The Minister remarked that he he had heard a request already for house accommodation, and he was pleased to see that another southern town was in need of it. It was a- good sign. He would place the matter before the Hon. Mr Anderson. A stop was made at ihe old identities’ picnic on the Domain, Milton, and Mr ('oatos was invited to address the gathering, which lie did, (Mr Edie following. T A TER I DRAINAGE. The next stop was at Henley, where Air J. M. Dickson, M.P., was awaiting the

Minister with a large representation of the Western Taieri Drainage Board and farmers on the Taieri to put before the Alinister the urgent necessity of coping with the drainage problem. Ah- W. O'Leary was spokesman. He dwelt on the natural fertility of the lowlymg areas, and pointed out how badly the productiveness of the district suffered front the constant flooding. Mr Coates, by a series of questions, quckly revealed that he had grasped the position. He said that £'Occl country like that must not be allowed to go back without iun effort to save it, and expressed a desire to look over the areas affected, notwithstanding that it was already- getting- late in the afternoon. It was pointed out that by crossing the bridge at Otokia and going up the plain to Allanton lie could see that part on his way to Dunedin, and that the part over towards Berwick could fc-e viewed on his way to the A aipori power station next day. The Alinister agreed to this course. , At Otokia the Alinister walked down to too railway bridge with the object of understanding the proposal of the Drainage Commission that the Railway Department should provide another small bridge there and raise the whole of the railway a foot to beyond Henley, the railway to be thc river bounds. Ihe proposal had been stressed by toe deputation, and the Alinister studied file position closely. He was evidently impressed with the suggestion, and particularly noted the flood levels, as registered on the Otokia Railway Station, and the fact that the railway itself was completely interrupted in flood times. TAIERI TELEPHONE SERVICE. At Alosglel, the Mayor (Air AY. Allan) asked that thc telephone exchange at Aiosgiel should also do the work of the Outram district. Tile Alinister intimated that he would go into the whole question with the Telegraph Engineer. Inc last question the Alinister was called upon to deal with was the limited accommodation at the Alosgiel Post Office. He had a look at the new site, and expressed sympathy with the desires of the Alayor and postmaster. He pointed out the urgency of such cases elsewhere in the dominion, where conditions prevailed much worse than was the ease at Alosgiel, a statement with which the postmaster concurred. Air Coates, however, gave the Alayor to understand that his representations would receive consideration, and be dealt with in order of merit.