King Country Chronicle SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1912 PROJECTED MINISTERIAL VISIT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 482, 13 July 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1912 PROJECTED MINISTERIAL VISIT.

The member for the district, Mr C. K. Wilson, id to be congratulated upon his prompt action in endeavouring to arrange for the new Minister for Public Works to visit this district before Parliament reassembles. It was a widely held opinion that in his formation of a Cabinet, Mr Massey should have chosen a North Island representative for the important portfolio of Public Works. The immense development which iB taking place in the North, and the large amount of important work in the shape of new railways, roads and bridges which is vitally necessary to the success of new settlement, renders it imperative that the Minister in charge of the Department shall have an intimate knowledge of the districts in which such expansion is taking place. Recognition of this principle naturally led to the assumption that a North Island representative would probably be selected for the position. However, there can be no doubt that Mr Massey was fully alive tu the position, and in filling the Public Works portfolio would be guided by a knowledge of his colleagues riot possessed by others. It can therefore be safely assumed that the Hon. W. Fraser will fully justify his selection. In paying an early visit to the King Country Mr Fraaer will be making an excellent

pur tan t office, and the local authorities should spare no effort to place before the Minister full information regarding the many requirements of the district. The sojourn of the Minister in the A locality will naturally be brief, complete arrangements should be made beforehand to convey the necessary information. A question that is bound to figure largely in connection with the visit is the scheme for metalling the Te KuitiAwakino road and by-roads, and it would be advisable for those interested to organise a representative deputation in the interests of the scheme. The Mokau Railway Leßgue should also be represented, with a view to keeping the railway project prominently before the notice of authorities. It remains to be seen what policy will be adopted by the new Government with respect to roading, and the representations from a district such as this, where roading is the most important question to the people generally, will doubtless have a strong influence on a Government which is keenly alive to the necessity of furthering the bset interests of the settlers in new districts. That the Government is desirous of assisting' the Bettlers to the utmost cannot be doubted, and the settlers will be assisting themselves immeasurably by taking advantage of the opportunity, and urging their many claims upon the Minister. In the desire for public progress the claims of hospitality should not be overlooked,and the privilege of doing honour to the first representative of the new Government to 1 visit the district will be duly appreciated. It is to be sincerely hoped no ■ obstacle to the proposed visit will crop up at the eleventh hour.