The Minister of Labor at Birmingham.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 265, 16 March 1894, Page 2

The Minister of Labor at Birmingham.

[from our own correspondent.] The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Minister of Labor, arrived at Birmingham yesterday morning by the coach from Feilding, and was met by a depution. Mr A. Ferguson, who acted as spokesman, pointed out, in the first place, that the road having been formed before the Roads and Bridges Construction Act was passed, they were unable to borrow for maintenance * in the second plnce, the Board has no funds, and their particular ward was £1000 in debt, while the annual income was £500. Their need was so great last winter that the settlers subscribed among themselves £35 to fill up the worst of the holes. The road was so bad during the winter that the Board prohibited all vehicular traffic. The road has been chiefly spoiled by traffic up to the new settlements. There are still about 40,000 acres of Government land to dispose of at the end of this road. Mr Reeves, who was on his way to Pemberton, promised to take particular notice of the road, and mentioned his intention of being back in Birmingham to-day (Friday), at about 4 p.m., when he would be pleased to ' meet the settlers and members for the 1 Palmerston and Rangitikei districts, Messrs Pirani and Stevens. 1 Mr Ferguson thanked Mr Reeves < for the courteous manner in which he 1 had heard their grievances, and the 1 deputation withdrew. * gg 1