THE HON. R. MCKENZIE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12454, 2 February 1909, Page 2

THE HON. R. MCKENZIE.

BANQUETTE!) AT MANGA-

SAKAU,

DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS.

(From our Special Reporter.)

Takaka, Feb. 1.

The Hon. R. McKenzie. Minister of Public Works and Mines, was entertained at a banquet at Mangarakau on Saturday evening, about eighty residents of the locality, including ladies, being present to do honour to' the Minister. A splendid repast was provided, and a lengthy toast list was disposed of. The gathering, which was nign-ly successful, concluded at midnight.

A deputation -waited upon the Minister in reference to local requirements, including better beaconing at WeatnaveD, a track from Mangarakau to Kaituna, and a road to the West Coast from the Patarau river south.

The Minister promised to refer the first request to toe Minister for Marine, and in regard to the S9cond. to have a survey made, as he recognised that better road communication to settlement was required. In the matter of tbe third request he thought the settlers might help themselves, and he suggestted that the local body should raise a loan to carry out the' work, and the Government ought perhaps to contribute.

j|Mr Mo Konzie and his party, who were accorded a hearty send-off by the whole 'population of Mangarakau, returned to Collmgwood via Puponga on Sunday, and this morning arrived at Takaka, where the Minister is attending the annual show of the Uolden Bay A. and P. Association.