WEST COAST NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3549, 28 March 1922, Page 22

WEST COAST NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) March 21. The eagerly anticipated visit to the district of the Minister of Fublic Works lias eventuated without any very tangible results. r l hroughout his long itinerary of 200 miles he was assailed at every stoppingplace by deputations on a great variety of subjects, the usual result being an expression of sympathy and a promise to investigate. Mr Coates said that there was no other district where so large a number of requests were made. The retort was suggested ‘.‘nor where so few are granted.’ This district, however, has little to complain of in the treatment it has received during recent years. In the amount of money voted for Public Works it compares favourably with other places. The reason for the multitude of requests is the backward condition of the Province. Tt has a long way to go to get, abreast of other districts. Few other places labour under the necessity to plead for bridges over their rivers, and for metal for their arterial roads. A number of the requests on this occasion were a repetition of those which have frequently been made without effect. The Minister traversed the whole length of the district form Karamea to Jackson’s Bay. Between Westport and Greymouth he journeyed by the Coastal road, being thei first Minister to take that route. He visited the new scenic resort of Punakaibi, and was impressed with the possibilities of the country around Barry town. The chief gain resulting from his visit is that lie has seen for himself the possibilities unci the requirements of the district. Brunner Bridges.— Some little time ago a contract was let for the rebuilding of the Taylorville suspension bridge which was carried away two years ago. After some progress had been made with the contract, it was discovered that certain necessary hardwood had not been procured. The work is consequently held up indefinitely, and unless the Government is able to supply the need locally, some time may be lost in securing the timber from abroad. The Brunner -esidents still suffer great inconvenience from the prohibition of traffic over the only other bridge. Neither the coalmining company nor the Railway Department will accept the responsibility of repairs, so that in the meantime even coal has to be carried in sacks over the top bridge. Coal in quantity will have to be imported, though the mine month on the opposite side of the river is within a few yards. Stock Transit.— Amongst the numerous matters brought under the notice of the Minister of Public Works during his recent visit, was one relating to the disadvantage under which farmers labour in getting their stock to market. The market for . pigs has been lately glutted in this district, while a good pries was obtainable at Addington. Some farmers at Arahura i ailed a consignment of pigs to Otiva, and thence conveyed them by vehicles through the Gorge to Arthur’s Pass. The cost of transit, yas 17s per head of which 10s was for the journey through the Gorge. The net return to the settlers was a little over 5d per lb. The Minister was asked to provide facilities for the conveyance of stock through the tunnel, but on the ground of delay to that construction work, he was unable to do this. N.Z.E.L — The annual meeting- of the Grey Branch of the N.Z. Educational Institute showed its affairs to be in a satisfactory condition. A resolution was passed urging leathers to attend the week meetings of the W.E.A. which will be held at Hokitika in May. and at which Professor Shelley and Dr Cockayne will deliver lectures. The question was discussed of the disability under which teachers in this districtlabour as compared -with those in districts with a less rainfall, m having the staffing based on the average attendance of t-lie scholars, and a deputation was appointed to represent the matter to ihe Minister of Education on the occasion of his expected visit- Tt: was resolved to approach the Canterbury Education Board with a view to getting- the applications for Grade 111 A schools made open, instead of being confined to men only, as at present. --- St Helen's Nurse. — For some years a district. St, Helen's nurse has been resident at Greymouth under the Department of Health. Dr Valentine. Director-General of the Department, recently wrote suggesting to the Hospital Hoard the advisibilitv of that body taking over the control of the nurse's duties. His proposition was thaE_ in order to keep her within the scope of fhe superannuation, ihe Department should continue to pay her salary, but dial ihe Hospital Board should refund the money. The» Board decided tha t in view of its responsibilities la connection with the recently- established Maternity Hospital, it was unable to accede to the request. A unique and valuable opportunity was recently afforded the school children and especially members of the Navy League, of viewing, at close quarters, the cruiser Chatham. On the occasion of a cruise from the Bluff via 'he Sounds, the vessel stopped at Hokitika and at Greymouth. At the latter port a number of the school children were taken out mto the roadstead on the Harbour Board's tug. which made several trips. Ihe consideration of the cruiser's commander in offering this privilege was greatly appreciated, and on the following day a wireless message of thanks and greeting was sent out from the members of the Navy- League. The coal export last week from Woslpoit was 10.323 lons, and from Grevniouth 5977 ions. The Exports trorri the latter port for the past four weeks have been 24.953 tons of coal. 663 bales of wool. 42 bal-'s of flax, and 3.300.691 f-.-et of timber. The timber trade continues at onlv a moderate rate though it is anticipated that there will be an early revival. In the neighbourhood of Ross, a. large now mil! is nearing completion. Its yards oc-t-uny 12 acres of ground and its annua! capacity will be 5.000.000 feet, A tram line of 12 miles laid by the company gives access to a large area of timber. M.P. for Wes! land.— Mr T. E. Y. Seddon. M.B . lias been universally honoured and felicitated on the occasion of his marriage. He has been publicly entertained, and various bodies have tendered 'heir congratulations. His decision to reride on the West Coast is a popular one. lie has chosen Greymouth as