HON. R. M'KENZIE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12710, 22 March 1911, Page 5

HON. R. M'KENZIE.

VISIT TO EAST COAST.

(Per Press Association.)

GISBORNE. March 21

The Hon. It. McKeinzie, who is visiting the East Ccast, north of Gisborne, was r.t Waipiro yesterday. He paid a visit of inspection to the Waiapu Hospital, where everything was /found to be most satisfactory. A deputation from the Waiapu County Council Avaitecl on tho Minister regarding the wants of the district. Special mention was madei of a bridge over the "Wiaia'pu river and tho construction of a read through the native lands.. The deputation also asked the- Minister if there was any possibility of getting a reduction in the duty on steel, for which they, had to' pay heavily for bridge construction. In. erply, tha Minister Slid that he would advise the deputation not to proceed with a road through th© native lands until permission was obtained, as it might bo stopped: He considered native lands should be loaded for roads, or else pay a rate. T'hd Minister expressed hirnseilf as greatly pleased with the district, but considered it should be carrying fifty times as many settlers. He advised thct deputation to get the Hon. Jas. Carroll and Sir Jos. Ward to visit the district. In regard to the duty oil steel, ho advised tho deputation to do as tho Government did, and import raw material and worit it up, as duty was only on the finished article. ■ The Hon. McKenzie returns by steamer from Tokomaru to-morrow evening, when ho will he entertained by the Chamber of Commerce, leaving on Thursday overland for Wairoa and Napier. The present occasion is the first time a Minister has visited the coast directly north of Gisborne. To-night tho Minister was entertained at dinner by Mr K. S. Williams.