PUBLIC WORKS.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15001, 24 February 1919, Page 4

PUBLIC WORKS.

[United Peess Association.]

Taumarunui, Feb. 23. The Minister of Public Works motored overland from Stratford to Te Kuiti, accompanied by Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., receiving many deputations on. the way. The party went by train on Friday from Te 'Kuiti to Okahukura, and visited the tunnel works. They then visited Taumarunui, where several important matters were 'brought under the notice of the Minister.

In reply, Sir William Eraser said that the only drawback on the prosecution of public works now was the want of men. He could put thousands of men on if they could be got. He did not favoor Hiking up a national highway bet'.',ecn Taumaruuui and Te Kuiti and Raurima and Waimarino until back-blocks roads had more attention,; j but when his engineers returned from the war _ he. would have a survey and esti" mate of cost prepared of portions of the highway in question. The Borough* Council asked for a subsidy of 10s in the £ for the main road through the town, on which they are spending £12,000. .As the* road passed through all Native-owned properties, the council considered it was the Crown's duty to contribute.

The Minister promised to bring the matter before Cabinet. He also stated that he would .put another 150 men on the Okahufcura tunnel works if they were available. He would inquire whether trucks could be engaged to cart goods at once through the tunnel for settlers.

It was fctated that lcwt of flour at' present cost 16s for carting by road. The Minister left on Saturday for the South.