MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1923, Page 2

MINISTERIAL VISIT.

The Ministerial party left for the north at 10 o’clock this morning. Travelling by special train the party will visit lleefton, and then proceed to luangahua Junction where cars will be taken to Westport. Deputations are to be received there to-night. To-mor-row the Hon Minister unveils the Colvin Memorial. On Monday the pally proceeds to Nelson, and tho following day returns to Glonhope and proceeds via Tollhouse to Blenheim.

This morning the Minister visited the Mental Hospital to note the works in progress. The Exhibition buildings were visited also, and a close inspection made of the railway yard and the improvements going on about the -tation.

Seen before his departure north, Ml Coates stated definite instructions had been given to expedite the work about the station and have it ready for the Exhibition period. He congratulated the town on the enterprise shown in regard to the Exhibition. He felt that as tho people wore putting their money into the project, and the traffic resulting would he of value to the railways, the Department should do all it could to co-operate in facilitating transport. In that connection he would confer with the General Manager in relation to the through carriages which he had come to the conclusion should be provided. The delay in regard to tho overhead bridge was to he regretted lint it was a matter of obtaining essential material. At the moment, ho could not give out anything definite in regard to tbe taking over ol the tunnel traffic. Tt was for the contractors to complete their work before that could he done. Till the engines were brought ui> to the standard specified there would he delay, but consistent with the public interests, the tunnel would he taken over ns earlv as possible. Mr Coates concluded by stating he was prepared t„ do all he could reasonably to meet the traffic requirements of the district.