HANMER NOT PAYING.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 759, 7 March 1910, Page 8

HANMER NOT PAYING.

MINISTER AND ' EESIDENIS. . .' 'By Telecraph.— Press AeeocintlonJ ,'. ". Hanmer, March 6. The Hott. T. Mackenzie ..arrived at Hanmer yesterday, and. was waited upon by a deputation which brought under his notice several matters which they considered would be advantageous to the place. ■ Amongst the, requests made, were: (1) That the Government should take over'the control of the township, so that drainage, lighting, sanitation, and like matters would be properly attended to; (2) that steps be taken to ensure the purity of the water supply in flood-time; (3) that higher-powered motor-cars should be used between Hanmer and Culverden, as visitors were' put .to considerable inconvenience owing to the somewhat frequent breakdowns. ■■':■' Eeplying, the Minister stated that matters mentioned were largely a question of ways and means. For eleven months last year the Tev-enuo from all sources at Hanmer totalled £1353, whilst the expenditure amounted to X329l—a loss of over £1900 for the period. These figures included the allowance for the free treatment of indigent patients, for the reduced charge to members of friendly societies, and for charitable aid patients. Until he coold see some means of increasing the revenue, he wae not.disposed to agree to any heavy immediate expenditure. Hβ was of opinion that the attractions at Hanmer were not well enough known, and intimated that he would send Mi. Mac Donald, tho Department's photographer, to the district to take views of the township and beauty spots in the vicinity. Ho was also, of opinion that tho suitability of Hanmer as a winter resort was not widely enough lamyn. He intended looking .into the questions ensuring the purity of water supply, and drainage, and would discuss the motorcar service with the Minister for Bailways.. As.to the Government taking over the control of the township, whilst theoretically all right, it was not satisfactory as far as his experience of Government control at Rotoroa. went. If the township could be taken over on business lines then a great deal of good miffht" be done.