DEPUTATION OF CITIZENS.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 2 (Supplement)

DEPUTATION OF CITIZENS.

NELSON'S REQUIREMENTS URGED

MINISTER'S SYMPATHETIC REPLY

(From "The Colonist," 6. May.)

A. large and influential deputation of members of tho Chamber »f Commerce and citizens waited upon the Minister of Public Works at the City Council Chambers on Saturday morning, to bring under his notice a number of mattors affecting tho welfare of the district. Among those present wero the Mayor (Mr T. A. H. Field), Messrs A. A. Lucas (President of the Chamber of Commerce), R. B. Jackson, P. Bond, C. R. Foil, W. S. Hampson, T. J. Harford, H. R. Duncan, J. P. Harris, H. Baigent, W. Dee, A. H. Bisley, E. A. Jackson, F. G. Gibbs, J. H. Cock, A. McKeo, W. G. Kerr, W. Rout, W. Lock, R. Hamilton, P. B. Adams, W. W. Snodgrass, N. Adams, C. Thorpe, J. Hunt (Mayor of Richmond), and others.

In introducing the deputation Mr 11. Atmore, M.P., said.it was thoroughly representative. Ho expressed his pleasure at the fact that tho Minister had recognised the necessity for pushing on with tho railway, and said that Mr Macdonald had shown himself to bo thoroughly conversant with all aspects of pioneer life. The settlers of Murchison had recognised that tho Minister was tho right man in the right place. Mr Atmore said that it was Mr Macdonald's first official visit to any district, and he came with an absolutely clean sheet. Tho present Ministry, ho said, must be judged upon its actions, and it should bo given a fair trial. The Hon Mr Macdonald had tho reputation of being a man who was not an office seeker, but was a man who was out to do good work for tho country. He was a man who was absolutely sincere, and commanded the respect of both sides of the House.

Mr A. A. Lucas, President of tho Chamber of Commerce, expressed his appreciation at the visit of the Minister 'for Public Works, and hoped that it would prove not only of benefit to himself but to tins part of the Dominion. In the past Nelson had not asked for a great deal, but they wero going to try and got a little- more in tho future. In regard to tho railwaj', they were anxious to see tho construction completed to Murchison. At present there was a good deal of settlement in that district, but there was. room for a groat deal more. Flo hoped the Minister would personally do what ho could to push on with the extension. A promise had been made by the Hon W. Hall Jones when he was Minister for Public Works, that when the North Island main trunk railway was finished tho men engaged there would be put on to tho Nelson end of the Midland railway, and ho believed if he had remained in office this promise would have been fulfilled. Mr Lucas said they were pleased to know that the railway to Glenhope was practically finished, and he asked that the date of the official opening be fixed fpr June 3rd, when it was intended to have a public demonstration. Mr Lucas also advocated a one day service to Greymouth, which he thought would encourage tourist traffic from the West Coast to Nelson. It was also desired to have a road from Nelson to Motueka along the sea-front, and in" view of the development of the | fruit industry this was most desirable. A light line of railway from Nelson tn Motueka was another .matter worthy of consideration.

The Mayor said it was a source of gratification.to havo a visit from thf Minister so early in his career, and the;\ owed a debt to gratitude to Mr Atmorc for having urged upon him the needs of tho district. (Hear, hear.) In the pas? Nelson' had not had a fair share of pub-' lie expenditure, one reason perhaps be ing that they had been too modest. Tb>Nelson district was capable of great' development. Tlie fruit industry wnf in its infancy, and there were other r<? that had not yet been touched upon. They believed there were large coal deposits within a few miles of tlv' iity, and according to expert opiniothe coal was of very good quality. Tf +be road by way of the sea coast wrp 'proceeded with, it would encourage "loser settlement on the Moutore hilif 'r\ f-.ot it was stated that between 60,000 .■•nd 70,000 acres could be opened up. putting down tho area at 20.000 "nd allowing ten acres to each person ' for fruit culturo, it would moan the set"-; +Jn*r>ent of 2000 people, and this was n strong argument in favour of the road. Ho hoped tho matter would receive due

attention t'i. ;n tbji f(jv,<nii.ci.t

Kit'lJ ;<->> - • JPI ->r.o- ii\ v ono-dsi.\ w-n ; <-o fco Gro>ii i-121» , and i.'ud if it was in.uig uratcd I!1*1 i nhl^ *'• b.ir harbour., mv'1 tho uiipj"'- ' ' ""c ' ! *•* '-' f'^l'M ■*•" J' i *:l WOUld ')« .v(J'll"i, \!'l!r- tlV* '(.•'■"Ilil-.v <■'• the oveilit) ! trip i;l >r« .sould nakc i+ , nrth.. of '[. Mition. (Applause.) Mr i); 1!")) •> > xM>t!oi yd '.lie utuul. jf Llv. pjv i••M>mK mi. .""• ' s ilr) .!r f fiom a scenic standpoint and .is :•. <.oin , t resort, he did not think there . i-* -i v JMi'lot X.' ■> i i.ll.Mi tlklt O-Mi'Tfi ■ )i:>!V>-c ...l ■ .*lfrj i. If lie V.ri.ti „ sjni m '.p > ""1 i ho;o v. c i'> r < ■■)>-• i\h' s > •■ •' li !ii ig as mvl>)i: i t;<is d:st.'.\ ■end onl\ tn Rm-i.ii." ir Ila?) p^-n < ii" tinned thrt in N'l . they had t'i" t"b\ freezing wor!. 1 rr '■ ustralasi \ ,'n'l l-i&t reason, owing tr "o < vto.'Si "■ '>' the? railv.av to Gle 'opa, the*' had icrouod 1000 sheep fo. 'Ie irnezip i, '.'>rk<? from the Murchipo nvtrict. No*t season it was ?:ipcctod that tin's number would be increased to 4000 or. 5000. Ho believed that when the railway opened to Murchi son it would prove one of the best paying lines in the Dominion. The thanks of the citizens wero duo to Mr Atmore for getting the Minister to visit Nelson so early. Mr W. W. Snodgrass (Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce) also spoke in support of the requests made by the other speakers. Mr H. R. Duncan (a member of the Harbour Board) said the reports of the Minister's visit to Murebison had given them very great hope for the- future of Nelson, and he felt that their interests would bo well looked after. For many years Nelson had been neglected until the Hon R. McKcnzie had eomo to their assistance. As the Minister was probably aware, representations had been made by tho Harbour Board to the Government to provide facilities for berthing largo steamers at the wharf, but owing to some misunderstanding on the part of the Department as to what was required, nothing had been done, and there had been a certain amount of friction. The best way to secure proper administration would be by allowing the Board to control the wharves, and representations in this direction having been made to the Minister, a favourable reply had been receivod. He hoped Mr Macdonald would support any recommendation that might foe made to give effect to that proposal. Mr Duncan also

supported tho proposal to construct a road to Motueka along the sea coast.

Mr C. R. Fell said that although per-

sonally interested in Moutere lands, it was a matter which affected the welfare of the whole district inoro than his por-

sonal interest. It.was only within recent years that the suitability of tho land for fruit growing had been discov-ered,-and when the whole of the land was under cultivation it would bo .->n advantago not only to the district, but to the whole of New Zealand. The road suggested, when constructed, would enable growers to send their products to tho ports of shipment readily.

Mr P. Bond said that tho Minister's remarks to the Murchison settlers wore most encouraging to those who had the welfare of the district at heart.

Mr F. G. Gibbs, who followed, referred more particularly to tho land in the Maitai Valley, which ho said was formerly let to tenants; who had allowed the people to picnic on the river banks and to uso the river. In view of thif< fact the public of Nelson some years ago formed a committee, which expended Eome £1200 in erecting bridges and improving tlie road, for the sole purpose of giving tho people greater excess to th* valley. In recent years, -however,, the land had become- more valuable, and the owner having return to Nelson considered it desirable to keep the public off tho property, and restricted them to the legal road, consequently tho people were debarred from enjoying tho privileges they had been accustomed to. They did not desire to injure anybody, but it was highly desirable that the land on the banks of the river should bo acquired for the city, and the late Government had offered to contribute towards the cost of tho acquisition. He hoped tho Government would not allow the road to bo less than a chain wide, otherwise if tho road was allowed to be throe-quarters of a chain wide, tho land would have to be purchased again. Mr Gibbs also asked for a subsidy for the museum. Ho explained that the Library had been destroyed by fire, but the bulk of the ex-, hibits mi the museum had been saved. Over £4000 was being spent in a new building, and there was not quite sufficient funds to complete tho equipment of the museum. He noticed that the Government had promised subsidies to other places, and asked that a grant be made to enable them to carry out the object named. As one of tho trustees of the Suter Art Society, he made a similar request for the Art Gallery. He noticed that each of the four centres had been granted a subsidy of £500 for the purchase of pictures. In Nelson they had done more to foster art, in proportion to the population, than any other part of the Dominion, Auckland perhaps excepted. In the Nelson Art Gallery they had some pictures of considerable value, and so far had done without any assistanceu from the municipality or any other source. Having done so much for themselves they thought as the large centres were being granted subsidies Nelson should not be' left out.

Mr W. Lock, a member of the NelsonHarbour Board, appreciated tho active interest the Government were taking in the welfare of the different districts av 1 ho believed the present Miuistry were ■roing'to do their level best to 'develor tho country. The dredging at the whnW was puirolv a matter for the' Govern-

"•ent and they should not hesitate t-o ■i.o the work, as they owned the wharvo?' •md tho immediate vicinity.

Mr Thorn, Government orchard in 'e'tmrtor expressed''his faith in +!-

1"- of ljvnd on the Moutere hills fw r"nit-frrnv, rin.!T. There were thousands r -ry-™, of 1.-iTid on the slopes fit. for ore* v-1 --%nrTMri<w?R. anfl'fi road round tho corr-'

r-n7i?ri nrnve a p:reat advantage to t?

•'i strict

■\*V.,tt./ Atmors, M.P., referred to t 1 'Vov^t.npwssity for a new railway st~ Mrm "■*■ *Msori, th*l present building b<|y\.(T nn r>Vsolnte disgrace to the place ",i"cJ .jmhont-hfilf the size of the one a+ Wcmho-pe. The Government had prae tieally promised a new station, but -if was only right that the Minister should

■ 'ti tint pie:,<' • orift. Mr Atir-oio ieliv:i----*-d to th<> i, n I( rhtlv ditch r.t ih<> o» '1 of -viilton'.s Aoiv. Tin* mwer:^ oi Xoku n, ho said, had b^nl a J.'lk * of inoi.«>» out of their "'>n p'x'K >t.. ri hp'.uJi,. 'V 4ho cit; , ui.il b^ hopfl I"• Kr. \v.,.\ In I .irtmo-it uoiiM do tin i' put "'■ '-n' im i'ig up tlie e>o-vn.-, t'lVn nin H*> h >.l Hade r: pre-si" t-Mio'i" to . h«* Ml.>i<d<w for railways pi ',' • ,'W'it^ \ Jti vo^nr^ to the .Mail"i ll," Go"< 'znnuit hail pi<> , i°od ii sub^i'h cf C fj. (>. i'i> .o C7O-. r the pure' is? of nor^iii in% .0 .iorc 1 id uig^d the Mrii-MM t<> yi.<- c'J t!u

■Mad being kl"^ ih -n :\ i 1 >).' »i o J1»

>oinfccd on!, t1 'it \\'.l\> c! '-c; .»ttl<v cm1 | in tho Mfit.M \.'li'>-i, i!"'"1 i iK"> pro . ided fur t!>o fin "Me t! r; we iH e\por; , "noo tho trou'.l. rl, ■>■» wet 1 !.a>i-:g i.Willis street. Wei";. rtnn. Tl i i.°d {■ ■ !ho Mouteio v, oilil b.l of w t benefit 'lot only to Nc!-i - , Hit it iwnlfl briiij' them in close tM.oh > ith ono of tho rie! est parts of t!'? \elson provide. H< was quite satisfied the Minister would show every consideration in tho work of development, and pointed out that unless tho prcduciivcnc'Sfj of the country was increased the humanitarian, measures passed by tho Government wero liable to break down. THE -MINISTER'S REPLY. Having expressed his pleasure , at meeting the deputation, tho Hon Mr Macdonald expressed l-egret that with tho limited time 'at-his disposal it had been impossible for him to visit various portions of the district that needed development and assistance. The portions of tiie district he had seen ho was very favourably impressed with. So far as tho present Government was concerned, whatever its term of life might bo, it intended to give as much attention to this part of tl-ic Dominion as to any other part, and more than that, the Government realised that for many years large areas had boon held up, but it had now been demonstrated beyond doubt that this land could be developed for farm purposes. What was required was means of access and better facilities for transport. Everyone- recognised that a yourg country wanted developing, but it was impossible to carry out a onehundredth part of the necessities the people reqiiired without borrowing a largo amount of money. There had been a groat cry against the late Government for borrowing, but he was not going to be dismayed. Ho had been a backblock settler for 30 years, and he realised that whatever Government was in power a borrowing policy must be- pursued to assist in tho development of the country, and he intended, on all occas.ions when money was required for development purposes, to raise money in tho best interests of the people. It was his first visit to the district, and he was not going to say that all tho country he had travelled through was capable of development, but he had seen much ; excellent land around Murchison, and he had been assured that there were large areas of similar land within 20 or 30 miles of that town. If competent men wero prepared' to put all they possessed into land that was sufficient indication to the Government that that particular district required all the assistance the legislature of the country could give them. He was convinced that the whole district was worthy of attention. Tho Ministry wero going to work honestly and cojiselentioue'y ju the best interests of everybody,-whether they were tnoni. for a few weeks or for years. So far as tho public expenditure of this country was concerned, ho would see that the Nelson district got its fair share. (Applause.) The Hon It. McKenzie had taken a heartfelt interest in the Nelson and Motueka districts and had done his level best for them.

In regard to tho railway, it would be pushed on, and as the money became available the number of men would be increased. He saw no reason why the section to Glenhope could not be opened on 3rd June, provided things went on satisfactorily, and he would urge upon tho Minister for Railways to attend tho opening ceremony. (Applause.)

Tho matter of the one-day service to Greymouth was in the hands of tho Postmaster-General, and he was sure if the Hon H. G. Ell who was a most energetic man, could do anything to help them he would do so.

He believed the road to Motueka was an important one, and when people were prepared to open up land for the purpose of developing an industry, he felt sure that the Ministry would agree that in tho interests of New Zealand every possible access should be given to the settlers. If he could get the authority of Parliament he would be only too pleased to carry out this work.

In regard to the siiggested light railway to Motueka, tho late Government had set its face against light railways, but it was daily becoming more and more patent that these were a necessity, and the Cabinet was to be called together to go into the whole question The people of Nelson would like to see more public money expended in the district, and he thought they were entitled to more money.

Referring to the dredging at the wharves, which were controlled by the Railway Department, this was a matter for the Minister for Railways, hut he agreed that the Department should see that a reasonable depth of water was maintained. Regarding the control o4 the wharves, he thought it would be .n step in tho right direction to hand thr. wharves over to the, Board on reason able terms, so that they could contro 1 their affairs themselves. He was in favour of anything in that di rection. (Applause.)

In regard to the Maitai, ho recognise'" that the.people were justified in desiring to acquire these lands, and it was tin 'luty of tho Government to assist their \s to the width of the road, narrowroads, wero a great drawback, especiall in growing districts, and if they wantc?'' '•oads thoy should be mado wide ones ('Applause.)

As to the grant for the miifoxim, thr J niatt<3ir was for the Hon G. "W.. Russell md ho would place it before him. I-'-iew of what had been expended It 'liought they were deserving of ■•so.nv recognition. Thesoreraarks also applied to the Art Gallery.

The queation of the Maruia ho^ im-ings had been brought before him a' Murchison, and he had promised to oh tain a report on the cost of wideninr <ir>d improving the i>resent track.. If

W'

I tho k},i.T^ could bo ii lolopod for tho l.jn^fi „ of iho people it w.vs a matter that loqvwK-il looking into. Ho would1 brittjg ti'rir icq'icst undor tho notice of the IV-i ...Minister.

Tho i.'iilway station was a matter for tho 'Mi'H'tcr of Railways. He had not - w it: oi (Laughter ) In regard to tho dji-"]., }j.> thought the people wore justiI'vd in .-/-King the Government to remove

:ui.

hi r ,1-elusion the Hon Mr Macdonald . M t' .H all the matters referred to .voiilu receive fair consideration from J, 'or'innsible Ministers. In regard to I .'id M^iLlesrent, ihero were thousands of acree of Native lands available, and the. question of resuming large estates

would also receive tho attention of the profvpjit Ministry. Although the Government had no desire to do an injustive to those who held large areas of land, they recognised that in the- public interest and the welfare of the Dominion they must secure land for tho people. As Mr Atmore had pointed out, unless they increased their productive power, they would bo unable to carry out tho humanitarian legislation placed on the Statute Book. Ho assured the deputation that they would find the Government sincere in their efforts for tho betterment of all classes of tho people.

In thanking the Minister for i-eceiving the deputation, Mr Atmore said that tho Prime Minister and tho Hons Myers, Lauronson, Ell and Hanan had promised to visit tho district. -He believed that the present Ministry was conscientious and any criticism; oould be on the grounds of policy only. Ho was quite satisfied the Mackenzie Ministry would bear comparison with its predecessors, and should be given a fair trial. The proceedings then terminated.