MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1926, Page 2

MINISTERIAL VISIT.

The Hon Minister of Mines, accompanied by his private secretary (Mr Sherwood) visited Hokitika last evening, coining through after the after11011's festivities at Kumara. With the party were also Air and Airs T. E. Y. Seddon and Air .). A. Alurdoch, At.C.C. The party stayed at Keller’s Hotel. Later in the evening the Hon. Alinister was interviewed further regarding the Kumara water race, by Messrs Scddou, .Murdoch and Evans. The matter had been mentioned earlier in the day itt Kumara. The Minister when spoken to further on the matter said he had been impressed by what lie had heard that afternoon at Kumara, and would like to do what, he could to retain the race. Ifo had earlier come to a decision in tho matter, hut would stay proceedings meantime so as to afford more tim-o for consideration He invited suggestions as to some practical course whereby the (.iovernmenl- would he saved from the present cost incurred in tiic- annual upkeep.

Both Messrs Seddon and Alurdocn presb*'d the matter Strongly. 'the possibilities of milling were gone into at some length and different suggestions were made. In the end the suggestion which met with most favour from the. .Minister was one by Air Alurdoch to the effect that he would endeavour at the meeting of the County Council next week to arrange for a conference with the Kumara Borough Council and other local authorities affected, to .see what could ho done or what offer could he made to retain the race for the town of Knmnra and for the benefit of local gold-

Alr Anderson hoped something definite would lie the outcome. He was loth to take drastic steps in the matter. lint- the financial position ill regard to the race was such that the present loss being incurred could not l-o accepted indefinitely. The water races had to he dealt with on business lines, lie had been very successful with an Otago race where tho Public Works Department had taken over the race, and the water was being used very usefully for irrigation purposes. He hoped some wav out would he found here without .sacrificing the lace to the detriment, of the public interests.

The .Minister was thanked for his suspension of ’judgment meantime, and about 0.3(1 o’clock left on return to Oreyinoiitli with the members of his pa rty.

The Minister proceeds to Christchurch to-day, and on Saturday will be at Stewart Island. He returns to tie? Coast about next week end to open a bridge in the Karamea district. Alotuekn Electorate, and later will proceed to A 1 lircliison where lie will open the A. and I'. Show, and inspect the oilboring operations in that locality.