TIMBER-RAFTING ON THE WANGANUI RIVER.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11978, 22 September 1906, Page 6

TIMBER-RAFTING ON THE WANGANUI RIVER.

THE MINISTER FOR LANDS DEPUTATfONISED. AND FAVOURABLY IMPRESSED. A REPLY TO BE GIVEN NEXT WEEK.

(Front Our Parliamentary Special.) (By Telegraph,) WELLINGTON. September 22. A large deputation of members, amongst whom were Messrs Hogg, Smith* Symes, Field, Hogun, Bollard, Major,. Poole, Lawry, Greenslade, Poland, attd Witty, waited on the Minister for Lands for- the purpose of representing the desirability of rafting being allowed on tho Wanganui Eiver under restrictions and regulations. M-r William T. Jennings introduced the deputation, and Mr A. Laird, of Taumarunui, gave reasons for rafting sawn timber, and represented tho opinions of the residents about the district. Mr Hogan (a member of the Wanganui River I rust Board) said that nonsensical objections were u<:ad. agafhst rafting, but the Trust, as wgli as the^Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, had passed resolutions in favour of the proposal. All the members spoke in favour of the Minister favourably considering the representations made. The Minister said he would go into the question carefully, and would consider the matter out&ide of anything that may have occurred prior to his taking office. He would go through the papers that had been filed, and he thought that with safeguarded conditions imposed and an indemnity from those using the river the matter could be settled. However, he would not make any definite promise, but would let Mr Jennings know what he proposed doing next week. Mr Jepuings and Ml - Laird saw the Premier yesterday morning, and were referred to the Minister, for Lands.