PUBLIC WORKS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16214, 27 August 1923, Page 7

PUBLIC WORKS.

THE CONTRACT EXPERIMENT. (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Public Works estimates were approved by tlie House at Saturday’s sitting. ') The Hon. J. G. Coates, replying to a somewhat dispirited discussion on a > variety of topics, mostly local, said: , “The secret of development must be . the amount of money available each j year. If the country decided that a [ million a year be devoted to railway i development for tho next five years, and • if a definite programme was followed, . we would have better results.” He > assured the House that power from . Mangabno would be available next - year. When Mr. Parry moved a reduction o' the estimates as a protest against tho inauguration of the competitive contract system on the East Coast rail- . way, the Minister said that there was l no’ definite decision to introduce this i system. It was a test, and it was not f the policy of tho Government/to depnrt j from 'the methods used in connection - with public works. , Mr. Fraser: T.hnt .statement is very . important, because it is so definite. Mr. Coates : 1 have said it befory. > Sfp. Party's amendment was defeated - by N 35 votes to ’22, the House adjournt, big at 6.20 to resume on Monday morning when the Appropriation Bifl will he l introduced.