PUBLIC WORKS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 217, 8 June 1920, Page 4

PUBLIC WORKS

OPERATIONS ON EAST COAST. By Telegraph—Press Association V/airoa, Juno 7. The Hon. J. G. Coates arrived at Wairoa last night from Napier and held ■ a consultation with the Mayor and chairman of tbe Harbour Board regarding tho Waikokopu Harbour and railway matters. This morning lie met a number of deputations on various matters. The harbour, railway, and, hydro-electric matters were fully discussed. _ Mr, Coates, in reply, said lie was visit, ing the district to find out its requirements. After consultation wfth tho Departmental officers it had been decided to proceed with tho Waikaremoana- hydroelectric scheme immediately. The Walkokopu railway had already been started, and would be pushed on expeditiously. The East Consti railway was also being hastened. He considered the contract system could lie adjusted against day labour. Where co-operative contracts were required lie would see the men got either ltirgo or small contracts, according to their requirements. The shortage of material was very serious, and was hampering operations everywhere. Girders, hardwood, and cement were particularly in short supply. Contractors had not come from other countries! New Zealand works were too small. He understood! labour was available for Wairoa local work;. This would facilitate matters. He hoped to see the Waikare-Mohnka deviations finished shortly. The bridge had been commenced. He did not intend to give largo sums of money as subsidies to country roads, except to assist main arterial roads. The Ministerial party left at 11.30 a.m. for Gisborne, via Opoutama. The roads are had. The party expects to make the iourney partly in a wool-wagon, and to reach Gisborne late to-night.