MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 287, 6 February 1914, Page 2

MINISTERIAL VISIT.

HON. MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS AT TE AWAMUTU.

On Tuesday last the Hon. W. Fraser, Minister for Public Works, made a brief stay at Te Awamutu when passing through this district en route for Kawhia. The Ministerial party, which consisted of the Hon. Mr Fraser, Mr J. H. McAlister, private secretary, Messrs Williams and Wilson, publicaworks engineers, Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P., and Mr J. A. Young, M.P., arrived by the midday Wellington-Auckland express, which made a special stoppage at Te Awamutu. They were met at the railway station by representatives of the Town Board and Chamber of Commerce, and immediately conveyed to the Te Awamutu Hotel in motor cars placed at their disposal by Dr Reekie and Mr H. Andrew. A large number of town and district residents awaited them at the hotel,and an adjournment was immediately made to the dining room where an excellent repast had been prepared by Mr Jackson. About forty persons sat down to luncheon. . After the toast “The King” had been duly honoured, Mr A. S. Wallace, chairman of the Town Board, rose to propose the toast to the Hon. Mr Fraser, Minister for Public Works. He extended to the Minister and party a he'artv welcome to the district, and expressed regret that through pressure of public business so short a stay was to be made at Te Awamutu. It had been hoped by the Town Board and Chamber of Commerce that time would have permitted the party to be driven around the district to have seen the great natural beauty of the districts in and about Te Awamutu, to have witnessed the great strides being made in its agricultural development, and to have learnt more of the historic associations connected with its settlement and early development. However, it was hoped that at an early date the Minister would find time to make a longer stay at Te Awamutu, and on behalf of the residents he extended a verv hearty welcome. In concluding his remarks.Mr Wallace congratulated the Government upon having so successfully floated the recent loan. (Applause). On rising to respond the Hon. Mr Fraser was greeted with applause. He prefaced his remarks by saying that he had not come to make a speech, but rather to hear the people speak. In this it was evident that he was not going to be disappointed, as he had been informed that the people were going to- speak, and had arranged many deputations. (Laughter). This was exactly what he desired. He had come into the district purposely to see what was required for the development of the country, so that he could better fulfil the duties of his office. He therefore welcomed deputations, and although he might not be able to meet every requirement right away, he promised to do his best to meet any urgent requirement for the development of the country so far as it was possible for him to do. People in every locality were, at times, apt to complain that provision was not made for certain works in that immediate locality, but it must be remembered that New Zealand is a comparatively young country with a great deal to be done for the proper development of its resources. Every year the requests —and this applied to past and present governments—for government assistance to mak;e roads and carry out other public works, were three or four times as great as the funds available could possibly be made to meet. Of course it must be remembered that in many instances requests were made with no hope of success, it apparently being an unwritten law for people to ask for a lot in the hope of getting a little. He went on to refer to the method of floating and appropriating loan moneys. The recent loan was practically all pledged for this year’s estimates. He did not believe in recalling authorities, and held that it was not wise to make a promise unless he could see his way clear to make good that promise. So long as he held office he would treat the claims for roads and bridges as being of first importance, and if retrenchment was necessary it would be in the authorities for railw'ay construction, and not for roads and bridges. Railways serve a valuable purpose in the opening up of the country, but without roads and a proper means Of access to the country, railways were of but little avail. The whole of the present ministry were with him in that opinion, and were determined to do their best for the development of the agricultural lands of the Dominion.' In a young country it was necessary to borrow money, and the government intended to go on borrowing at such a rate—consistent always with the genuine require- j ments of the country—as its development justified. After making further reference to the recent loan, and to the value of the tourist traffic as a means of advertising the Dominion, Mr Fraser concluded his remarks by thanking those present for the welcome extended to him, and expressed the hope that he would later on be able to visit Te Awamutu and make a longer stay,

and to see more of the district, f (Applause). j Mr J. Fisher (chairman of the i Waipa County Council) was called upon to propose the health of “ Parliament.” In doing so Mr j Fisher remarked that Parliament j was the most important body S controlled by the people the \ country possessed. It was to the | credit of the Dominion that the \ New Zealand Parliament had always conducted itself with dignity, and had been an object lesson to many of the parliaments that existed in many other countries. He likened their guest, the present Minister for Public Works to a real Scotchman iVi as much as he was always cautious as to promises made. It was to his credit, however, that his promises were not idle ones. It was much better that this should be so, for it was unjust to send the people away with head and heart full of promises, which werfe to prove, as time wore on, only idle engagements. He concluded his remarks by congratulating the Government of the day in having so successfully come through a very trying time, and welcoming the Minister, on behalf of the County Council, to the district. Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P. (Taumarunui) was applauded on risirig to respond. He prefaced his remarks by saying that he was a farmer, and as such was anxious for proper recognition of the agricultural possibilities of this country. He supported the Massey Government because he realised the magnificent work it was doing for the whole country. New Zealand was rapidly becoming a great producer of agricultural wealth, and but for one or two unfortunate and unexpected circumstances at the commencement of the season, last year’s export returns would undoubtedly have constituted a record. The Auckland province was one of the richest provinces in the Dominion, and yet vast tracts of its land which was capable of a vast output was lying dormant. The King Country was an enormous district, and of enormous fertility—it had been barely scratched, and was already contributing great quantities of agricultural wealth to the Dominion’s export trade. When these facts were considered, the great need for Auckland City to liven up and do something for .the development of her district lands, must be recognised, and it was to be hoped the Aucklanders would ere long realise the value of the back-blocks, and would do something to assist in their proper development. Mr J. A. Young, M.P. (Waikato) as representative for the Waikato electorate, welcomed the Ministerial party and Mr C. K. Wilson to Te Awamutu. He was pleased to welcome them, for by their visit they would obtain first-hand knowledge of the requirements of the district, and would consequently grant him a more sympathetic hearing when he advocated the just claims of his electorate in Wellington (laughter). He was sure that the visit would be a profitable one to the Hon. Ministejr and to the country. When "the country’s future and its great agricultural possibilities are considered it is recognised how very necessary it is for every opportunity for its thorough development to be availed of. Being a young.country capital is required to bring its lands from an idle and unproductive state into a state of productivity. It is the duty of the Government to assist in roading the districts, and to assist the honest settler so far as is possible. But the settler must have more than roads and bridges; he oftentimes requires financial assistance, and mdney at a reasonable rate of interest to enable him to carry out the work on his lands. In speaking of the member for Taumarunui, Mr Young stated that there was not a keener nor a more hard worked member in Parliament than Mr C. K. Wilson, and instanced several incidents in which he had shown his consideration of his electorate in Parliament, and by his own energies had done much for the further development of the King Country districts. Mr Wilson was considerably hampered on account of his having a big and unwieldly electorate, but despite this he was never tired of urging , its just claims —and the claims of the farming community —upon government. In referring to the toast to Parliament Mr Young said that Parliament was the greatest civil institution possessed by the people. It was governed by the people as the people could make or unmake it, and it was for the people to maintain an intelligent interest in Parliament. It reflected credit upon the people that the ftew Zealand Parliament had always been conducted with dignity, and as one speaker had remarked had been an object lesson to the Parliaments of many other countries. Mr Young concluded by making brief reference to the supplementary estimates, and took the opportunity of thanking the Hon. Minister for the votes appearing for this electorate. (Applause). Before dispersing, the Hon. Mr Fraser proposed the health of the chairman (Mr A. S. Wallace), which toast was drunk with musical honours. DEPUTATIONS. TE AWAMUTU-PIRONGIA ROAD. Messrs Fisher, Alexander, McGhie, Teasdale, and W. H. Man-

deno, representing the Waipa County Council, asked for a £ for £ subsidy on a proposed loan of £ISOO for metalling the road between the Te Awamutu railway station and Pirongia. It was pointed out that this road is very largely used, not only by the country residents, but bv outsiders. It is the main road to the West Coast, and with the settlement of the Moerangi block would be more largely used. The same request had been made to the Hon. Mr Massey, and he had approved the suggestion. In the current year’s estimates £250 was voted, but the settlers were willing to have a special rating area to raise a loan if a-£ for £ subsidy for the full amount was assured.

Hon. Mr Fraser replying stated , that he would make representations to Mr Allen, and he did not anticipate any difficulty in the matter of the loan. He would assist the council, although he might not be able to vote the full amount in the one year, but he assured the deputation that the full £ for £ subsidy would be granted. HAMILTON NO. I BRIDGE. The same gentlemen asked for Mr Fraser’s assistance in having authority issued for a loan of £950, being the Council’s proportion of the cost of erecting the Whatawhiriwhiri bridge. They had applied for the loan, but it had been declined because the Waipa County was not recognised as an outlying district. The Minister promised to assist the Council. KIHIKIHI-WAOTU ROAD. It was also pointed out that this road is partly in the counties of Waipa and West Taupo. The Council desired to know what proportion of the grant of £350 is for expenditure in the Waipa County. A report is to be prepared and the Council advised as soon as possible. ENGINEER’S DISTRICT. It was further requested that Waikato be a separate district with a resident engineer. It wa? claimed that delays frequently are occasioned through having no resident officer of the department in the immediate districts. — The setting up of branch officers is of greater difficulty than at first appears/ and the department must be guided by the Engineer in Chief. The request would receive due consideration. WHAREPUHANGA REQUIREMENTS.

jyiessrs A. Walter, B. Beckerleg, and W. R. Lawry, as representing the Wharepuhanga settlers, asked that the timber for the building of a bridge, for which £IOOO had been granted, be landed upon the ground before the winter sets in. It was pointed out that the roads suffered very considerably as a result of heavy cartage during the winter months, and as thing's were at present, there was no indication that the carting would be done before the winter months. —Replying, the Minister stated that it was essential that as little carting as possible be done over the district roads in winter. " He did not know, if plans for this bridge were yet completed, but whether or not he would see that any necessary material was carted out without delay. It was further urged that the government assist the settlers by subsidising road works in the district. Heavy carting is done for the Reformatory during the wipter months, and the roads consequently became very bad. The settlers had done a lot of work on the roads and wanted State assistance.—The -Minister was surprised that carting for the Reformatory should be done in the winter, and he would see that it was put a stop to. He promised to consider the settlers’ request.

A request respecting the telephone service was also made, but it was pointed out that this was governed by set regulations, which applied to the settlers of every district.

TE AWAMUTU-KAWHIA RAILWAY.

The next deputation consisted of Messrs A. S. Wallace, S. Mathews, and J. B. Teasdale, representing the Te Awamutu Town Board, and Messrs M. C. Lawson,'H. Andrew, and A. G. Warburton, representing the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce. They thanked the Minister for having authorised the taking of a trial survey of prospective routes to link up Kawhia on the west coast with the main trunk line. Mr Young, M.P., informed the Minister that the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce also desired him to express appreciation of what had been done. The deputation urged that this matter be borne in mind, as Waikato would be much improved by having- direct access with a port having 27ft depth on the bar on the west coast. —This the Minister promised to do although he could hold out no hopes for immediate action. A great many new lines were now being constructed and railway development must necessarily progress in stages. He directed attention to recent legislation empowering local bodies or private investors to undertake the construction of railways.

TE MAWHAI-PUNIU BRIDGE ROAD.

it was also urged that a road be formed between the Te Mawhai railway station to the Puniu North Bridge, so as to save a wide detour by the present roads. —This would be duly considered

although so many new roads were absolutely necessary, and a shorter road was more or less of a luxury.

KIHIKIHI OTOROHANGA ROAD,

It was strongly urged that immediate steps be taken to make reasonably passable a dangerous

section of the road in the West Taupo country between Kihikihi and Otorohanga. • “ But why does the West Taupo County not do the work ?” queried the Minister.

“ Because it is not operative,” was the response. “ Well it will have to become operative,” continued the Minister. “The settled portion of it must either constitute themselves a separate county or form riding' and come in under some existing county, for they will not i-.- allowed to continue on as tin y : '• - now. It is an anomalous system that some districts may escape taxation which is levied upon their neighbours. When a district becomes settled it has- a right to carry its fair share of taxation, and the sooner the West Taupo settled districts become operative the sooner may they expect proper local conditions.” After further discussion the Minister promised to make inquiries and see if it is possible to have urgent works undertaken. KIHIKIHI REQUIREMENTS. Messrs J. G. Elmsly, C. O’Brien and R. Mainwaring, representing the Kihikihi Town District, urged - that a road be formed from Te Mawhai station to the Puniu ford, or failing immediate formation, that the land be acquired from the natives. This led up to a further discussion concerning the West Taupo County, the Minister speaking in a similar manner as he did *to the former deputation. Mr Fraser ultimately promised . to consider the request. It was further requested that an additional grant be made for the completion of metalling the main road through Kihikihi. The original grant of £SO with Town District funds -added to it, had done about SO chains, but there yet remained 30 chains to complete the work. The Minister promised to consider the matter. KAKEPUKU NEEDS. Messrs Hastings, Corlett, Clem- , ents, and Wilson, accompanied* by Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P , waited on the Minister in the interests of the Kakepuku settlers, and asked that something be done to - make passable the main Kakepuku road. It was urged that £SO be granted. The Minister promised this amount for immediate expenditure, after the request had been supported-by the engineer, who had recently inspected the road.

The several deputations were introduced by Mr J. A. Young, M.P., who, in the interests of his electorate, supported every just claim for the development of the districts concerned.

THE MINISTER VISiTS PIRONGIA.

after 3 pan. the Ministerial party started for Pirongia, where they were received by members of the local improvement committee and representatives of the Pirongia . branch of the.Farmers’ Union. It was decided to visit the bridge, which is at present undergoing repairs. After a short stay the party proceeded to the swing bridge over the Puniu River, near Harris’ landing, and urgent necessity of a more up-to-date structure was brought under the notice of the Minister. An inspection of the recently-con-structed Waipa bridge was then made, after which the party returned to the Alexandra Hotel, where several deputations were received. Mr J. A. Young, M.P., introduced the deputations. SETTLEMENT OF CROWN LANDS.

Mr Young, in introducing the deputation, explained to the Minister that it was their wish that certain Crown lands should be thrown open for settlement. Mr J. T. Johnson said the matter was one of great importance, especially to the residents of Pirongia. He referred to sections across the Puniu River, and urged that a survey be made, and steps taken to open the land for settlement. Instead of being revenueproducing the land was with rabbits. There were several settlers willing to take sections if only the opportunity were offered them. Mr T. Dent corroborated what the previous speaker had said. Some of the land was adjacent to that recently acquired by him. Mr J. D. Parsons bore out the . remarks of the previous speakers. Mr Fraser explained that this was a question for the Minister of Lands, who, he .was sure, when matter was put before hirff, do Ms best to place the land on the market. The speaker undertook to place the position

before Mr Massey. METALLING. Messrs C. Alexander, A. Ormsby, and A. W. Jones waited on the Minister in reference to grants for metalling.

Mr Alexander stated that the metal was easily obtainable, and he considered that the metalling could be cheaply done. He stated that the settlers would be only too willing to assist, but Government help either in the way of a grant or a loan was first necessary.

Mr Ormsby said the want of metalled roads was a great drawback to the settlers in carting

their milk to the factory. The matter was an urgent one. He made reference to the petition which had been forwarded to the Government last winter.

In reply the Minister said he did not anticipate any difficulty in making a grant, but he would consult the Minister of Finance (Mr Allen). The speaker would explain the position, and urge that they get fair treatment. BRIDGE ACROSS PUNIU. A deputation of considerable importance was that setting out the claims for a bridge across the Puniu, near Harris’ landing. Messrs A. W. Jones, J. T. Johnson, F. Harris, and A. Kearne supported the representations, which were stated by Mr J. A. Young, M.P. The Minister, in reply, said he would have pleasure in seeing that a proper site is survey ed, and a plan and estimate of the cost of a bridge prepared. That was all the deputation asked at this stage, and is a decided forward n.ove to a most necessary work.. PRESERVATION OF BUSH. A deputation consisting of Messrs G. Finn, A. E. Fear, and M. C. Munro waited on the Minister to urge the necessity of conserving the bush on Pirongia mountain as a climatic, water, and scenic reserve. It was pointed out that this was necessary owing to the fact that water was being procured from the mountain for Te Awamutu, and Hamilton and Frankton had the matter of supplies from the same source under consideration. From a scenic point of view it was also desirable that a certain amount of bush be conserved. Mr Fraser was thoroughly in sympathy with the request, seeing the great importance of conserving the bush up to a .certain altitude. He would forward the deputation’s representations to the proper, quarter. FLAT ROAD. Mr Kearne and other Kakepuku settlers urged the authorisation of the expenditure of the £IOO on the Supplementary Estimates for the Flat Road. This Mr Fraser promised to do at once. Mr Johnson thanked the Minister for his patience and courtesy in dealing with the deputations. In the evening the Ministerial jiarty was entertained at a banquet at the Alexandra Hotel, at which there was a large and representative gathering. An excellent repast, which would have done credit to a town of much greater size than Pirongia, was provided by Host McCarthy.

A social was tendered the Ministerial partv in the public hall in the evening. There was a very large attendance of district residents. Mr J. T. Johnstone, president of the Pirongia branch of the Farmers’ Union, presided, and introduced the various speakers. - After a few introductory remarks by the chaix-man, Mr J. A. Young, as member for the district, extended, on behalf of the electors, a hearty welcome to the Hon. Mr Fraser and visitors. Mr Young referred to the responsibilities of citizenship, and urged the electors to continue to take an intelligent interest in their country’s affairs, as they controlled its destinies. Mr Fraser, who was cordially received, said the aim of himself and the other members of the Massey Cabinet was to improve the conditions of the people. Of late years settlement went on so fast that it was beyond the country’s finances to provide for all reading at once. He hoped to give everyone, in all right instances, a moderate amount of access to their homes. The first essential was roads even before railways, and he desired to distribute the money as equitably as possible, but he would not make promises he could not carry out. He referred briefly to the recent loan flotation loan in London, and described short-dated loans for periods of two years as the height of folly in a young developing country. It was merely gambling in futures. He hoped the experience gained on his trip would be of benefit to himself and the country in general. He was proud to follow Mr Massey as Prime Minister, for he was an able man desiring only the welfare of the people in the discharge of his duties. (Applause).

Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P., was well received, and after thanks for the welcome accorded himself and other visitors referred to the necessity of borrowing money for judicious expenditure in developing a young country. The roading of the back districts was of cardinal importance, and he a vigorous roading policy would be pursued. The granting of the right to acquire the freehold to Crown tenants was a step in the right direction, and was likely to lead to the better settlement ot the country. In conclusion he paid a tribute to the Right Hon. Mr Massey as one assisting the farmers and promoting settlement.

During the evening a most entertaining musical and elocutionary programme was submitted, the following ladies and gentlemen contributing items Mesdames Sullivan, and ScottChalmers, Messrs H. Godfrey, 0. P. Owen, W. Godfrey, J. A. Young, H. L. Wright, and C. K. Wilson. These were thoroughly

enjoyed and encores were frequently called for. A very ample and dainty supper was provided by the ladies, after which dancing was enjoyed for several hours.

Mr Johnstone, in proposing a vote of thanks to the guests of the evening, paid a. high tribute to the Massey government. He referred to the good work that was being done both in and out of Parliament, ahd expressed the opinion that, irrespective of political opinions, all must admit that in the government of to-day, the people had a band ot men with whom any country could with confidence entrust its affairs. The hearty response that followed showed clearly that the chairman’s remarks were warmly appreciated by the audience.

The party left Pirongia at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday by special conveyance en route to Kawhia. _______