SOUTH WESTLAND RAILWAY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1920, Page 4

SOUTH WESTLAND RAILWAY

STATEMENT OF THE REQUEST TO THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Mr Seddon, M.P., has presented to the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Works, several numerously signed petitions from residents of South Westland praying that the Government will grant funds during the coming session of Parliament to extend the Westland railway from a point near Boss to the south side of the Mikonui river, a distance of about four miles. The petition sets forth several salient reasons why the work shouiul bo proceeded with.

Firstly it states—‘‘in tile Public Works Statement of 1911 the Hon. Minister of Public Works clearly stated the necessity for the extension referred to and promised legislation to give effect to-the Government policy.”

Secondly—“ That in the Public Works Statement, 1911, the Hon. Minister of Public Works clearly stated the necessity for the extension referred to and promised legislation to give effect to the Government policy.”

Thirdly—“ Parliament voted in 1911 £SOOO for the said work.”

Fourthly—“ The survey and preparation of plans and specifications for th 6 work were taken in hand and a small sum spent on account of the vote by Parliament.”

Fifthly— “ All further expenditure on account of the vote has ceased and the vote lapsed and has not been reinstated.”

Sixthly—“lt is well to place on record the fact that Westland is largely a Crown province and as such the prosecution of public works increases the value of the pubiic estate. In the Westland land district there are only 498 acres of freehold, while there are 1,535,428 acres of Crown lands on lease; there still remains nearly one million acres for future disposal exclusive of 44,413 acres now open for selection, and tracts of country held under various reservations.” Seventhly—“That the railway when extended south of the Mikonui river (the jiresent objective) will tap largo timber areas.” Eighthly—“The district proposed to be tapped is a rapidly growing settlement, where pastoral and dairying pursuits are flourishing.” Ninthly—“The line will extend the railhead into magnificent scenic resorts.” Tenthly. mentioned claims for consideration and in virtue of the urgent necessity for the Railway, the petitioners ask for a vote of £IO,OOO to be included in this year’s Estimates for the work.” Tlie Petition was signed on behalf of the Waitaha Settlers by eleven residents; on beha-lf of Hari Hari by nineteen residents ; on behalf of Tetaho by eight residents: on behalf of Wntaroa Settlement by twenty-nine residents; on behalf of Wataroa-Waitangi Settlement by eight residents; on behalf of Waikowhai by six settlers; on behalf of Bruce Bay by seventeen residents; on behalf of Wehelca by twenty-one settlers.

Mr Seddon, at the head of a Parliamentary deputation went into the matter personally with the Minister, and an official reply will lie submitted to the Member for the District in the course of a few days. The prayer of tlie petition was strongly supported by Hon. .1. 'Grimmond M.L.C, and the Hon. Minister’s verbal reply was considered of a very favourable character.