WESTLAND COUNTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1924, Page 2

WESTLAND COUNTY.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER

(By Telegraph.—Special to Guauiiian)

WELLINGON, Aug. .1

The Westland County deputation consisting of Mr E. A. Wells (Chairman), lion J. Grimmond. and Mr I). .1. Evans (County Clerk) was introduced to tln* Minister of Public Works yesterday afternoon 1 bv Mr J. O’Brien M.P., and various district matters were discussed. TOE BIST VOTE.

The expenditure of L’lo9o tourist vote for Wailio Gorge, was urged and the .Minister promised to expedite it. He also promised to go into the matter of a special vote lor a wire footbridge at Hokitika Gorge, and the question of a vote for Epper Tot urn Road. WATAROA ROAD. The matter of a substantial vote for reading Lower Wataroa will bt* considered in conjunction with the estimates. NEW VOTES. Regarding the expenditure of new* votes, the Minister says the County Council could confer with Mr J. D. Gillies Di»iriot Engineer) as in urgent voles, ami if the. works were recommended tor grant-, plans could be prepared and up to eighty per rent of the amount for Westland County could be proceeded with, so as to ensure the expenditure of the grants during the summer season. ’"CIIWAYS EXPENDITURE. Highways expenditure was discussed and the deputation asked for provision for Wailio Bridge to be made out of the 11ighwavs vote. Ihe Minister slated the vote would be Irom the Public Works grant, lie asked the deputation to wail on the Highways officials next morning, and discuss Westland works, so that the scheme could he put in baud in the district with the least delay IMPORTANT FOR SOUTH WESTLAND. The Minister made an important statement. stating he desired (o see a first ‘class .Main South Road capable of carrying ‘he traffic of till' district without undue regulations. The road would not lie in competition with the railway hut would bo a looder, allil the settlers deserved to have a .good, serviceable road for their requirements generally. A CORDIAL MINISTER. The Minister was very cordial and friendly to the deputation, on whose behalf Mr O'Brien returned thanks. HOME ON SATEI? DAY. The deputation finishes its business with the Government olfieisils to-day (Friday), and returns to Hokitika on Saturday. HARDWOOD PILES. Arrangements are being made for (lie hardwood piles required for Kakapetalii bridge, and it is hoped to have the erect ion of the new bridge commenced vorv shortly.