MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AT TIMARU.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 May 1901, Page 3

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AT TIMARU.

[per press association.]

Timaku, May 17,

Hon Hall-Jones,»M.H.E., for Timaru as Minister of Public Works addressed a meeting of his constituents this evening. He highly complimented Timaru on the two splendid receptions given to the returning contingents. Ho described the finances of the colony as most satisfactory there being a large surplus despite large concessions in customs duties and railway rates. Be compared the present expenditure and income wi th those of ten years

ago showing great increases from increased population and enhanced prosperity. In every ease the increased expenditure had produced a still larger increase of receipts. He congratulated Timaru and distriet on evident signs of prosperity on every hand and attributed this to a large extent to the application of the Land Settlement Act which showed South Canterbury had had a much larger share of money provided fot this purpose than any other district. Referring to the demand for the purchase of the Levele Estate he said the Government are waiting an offer from the owners as compulsory purchase might prove too costly. Regarding his department he gave some particulars of the chief lines of railways under construction. The policy of the Government was the completion first of main trunkline in North Island, Ohrist-church-Picton, Midland and Otago Central. The North Island line would be pushed on as fast as possible eousistent with economy. List year £130,000 was provided and £129,195 had been spent. He denied the rumour that the Makohine viaduct has shown signs of weakness and Mr Duthie’s asertion that already the cost was far more than the lowest tender. The Otago Central should be carried on with all convenient speed to assist the mining industry. The country opened up was proving to be very productive under irrigation, ho expected the line would reach Alexandra within two years. Of £IOO,OOO voted last year £81,350 had been spent. He explained that work on the Midland was slack at the western end owing to delay in locating an important tunnel but it was being pushed on at the eastern end. Last year £44,825 was spent on this line Regarding the Christchurch.Pioton line he stated it would be well within the Cheviot Estate within twelve months and would reach M’Kenzie within eighteen months. Progress at the north end was delayed for the present pending the acquisition of certain large estates. £36,951 has been spent last year on the line (the above amounts include permanent way). Though the policy of the Government was to confine attention to the main lines he suggested local guarantees might be given for payment of interest to obtain some branch lines asked for. He advocated starting dairy factories in the district.

Mr Hall-Jones spoke of the census returns ; ’Timaru borough was 6483, an increase of 370 on last census, and explained the local demand for railway werkshops could not be granted. Ho approved of the State ownership of coal mines, and if necessary of vessels to carry coal; also State interference in ocean freights and storage in London. He referred to the probable legislation of next session and various local matters.

Messrs Meredith and M’Lachlan, M.H.R’s also addressed the meeting and a vote of thanks and confidence was passed unanimous!}.