HON. THOS. MACKENZIE.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12763, 3 February 1910, Page 2

HON. THOS. MACKENZIE.

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE At Takaka on Tuesday, a deputation of Long Plain settlers waited iipon the fion Thos Mackenzie, Minister of Agriculture, in reference to a cart bridge over th© Takaka river. ]\lr. A. Langford acted as spokesman . .and pointed out that th© settlers on , the Long Plain were isolated when , ih© river was in flood, .and a cart bridge would be of great benefit to ; -the settlers there. There were some • important mining propositions about to be carried out at the Anatoki and the bridge. would be of great assistance. In replying, the Minister said that lie would be very glad to go into th© matter. At present they were short . -of money, and some people would not allow them to get revenuci. He sympathised with the back block settlers, •and said he would see the Hon. It. McKenzie on the matter and if he •could help them lie would. Later- the Hon Thos Mackenzie received a deputation of" Motueka residents, introduced by Mr. Andrew Sinclair, in reference to the export of fruit, and information in regard to packing. Th© Minister said he would communicate with Mr. Kirk, Director of 1 Orchards, and promised that someone would be sent to the district to give instruction in packing. Mr. Hallam would probably have th© requisite knowledge, if not, it might be necessary for someone to visit Tasmania to obtain all the information possible-. Mr Mackenzie said he was anxious to see the industry flourish and promised to give them all th© assistance lie could." * - The deputation invited the Minister to visit the district, and Mi- Mackenzie accepted with great pleasure-. The date of the visit however, is un■oertain, but it will probably take place before the present fruit season is over.