V-SIT OF MINISTER OF LANDS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 8975, 7 January 1891, Page 2

V-SIT OF MINISTER OF LANDS.

TRIP TO MIMI. On Tuesday the Minister of Lands (Hon. G. F. Richardson), accompanied by Mr E. M. Smith, M.H.R., Mr Samuel, and Mr H. Weston, drove to the Mimi to see the road work that is being carried on there. Mr Robinson, the Crown Lands Ranger, joined the party at Urenui. When the party arrived at Mimi they went up the valley through which the road is being formed as far as the work extended. The Minister intimated that "there would be £1,000 available for further work on this road, which would eventually be continued till it struck the proposed central railway route. After a thorough inspection, the party returned to Urenui, and had lunch at Mr Pigott's hotel. A deputation of members of the Clifton County Council and ratepayers waited on the Ministerafter lunch with respect to local matters. There were on the deputation, amongst others, Messrs Telfar, Halcombe, Rowe, L. Sarten, Bertrand, and Dr Hutchinson. The question of the County Council taking over and making the road from Pukearuhe to Mokau was brought up and discussed. The Minister pointed out to the deputation that there were no funds to make this road. Mr Smith suggested that prison labor could be utilised in making the road, and thus open tbe Mokau country. , The Minister said that the matter would receive consideration. Dr Hutchinson then brought up the question of making a road from Ngatimaru to Tikorangi. Mr Sarten pointed out that this road could be made for about £500. The Minister replied that there were no funds available for the work, but he would take a note of the matter. He also pointed out that the Government were doing all they could to open up the country by pushing on the continuation of the East Road, Junction Road, and Mimi Valley Road. After further discussion the deputation thanked Mr Richardson for his courtesy, and withdrew. The party returned to town in the evening. The Minister of Lands left by train this (Wednesday) morning with tho intention of seeing Colonel Trimble at Ingle vood, and afterwards going on to meet Sir Harry Atkinson, the Premier, at Stratford or Hawera.