THE RAETIHI FIRES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 186, 26 April 1918, Page 5

THE RAETIHI FIRES

$ IJON D. H. GUTHRIE REPORTS PROGRESS.

The Hon. D. H.' Guthrie, Minister ol Lands, returned to Wellington yesterday after a further visit to the Raetihi tiro area, where ho uonsulted with the lire Relief Committee in connection with the method adopted for the distribution of relief, and examined the accounts. Jlo also visited those parts of the district that suffered most severely from the nro, and was pleased to find that generally thero was a decided improvement in the appearaiico of tho country since his last visit a few weeks ago. Settlers had received their supplies of gra6s seed, and in tho majority of cases had tesown their bnrnt area. The recent warm rams had l>eeii most beneficial, and in somo places the new grass was quito discernible. Mr. Guthrio Tecoived two deputations at Rao. tihi relative to matters of local interest. On his return to Ohakuuo a deputation representing tho borough council waited upon him and made representations stressing tho necessity for a suitable recreation reserve for the town, a bridge across the Mangataitai River closo to tho railway station, a hospital for the district, and repairs to tho road between Olmkune and Taumarnnui, while matter* of importance to tho sawmilling industry wcro also stressed; In tho evening tho Minister was the guest of the Obafcuno Borough Council at a complimentary banquet tmdorcd in honour of hie cleva. tion to Cabinot rank. Speeches woro delivered eulogistic of Mr. (rtithnos work in connection with the recent fires and liis career as a citizen-and a member ot Parliament. Reference was made also to his special qualifications for successful administration of the Lands Department.