DEPUTATIONS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 486, 27 July 1912, Page 5

DEPUTATIONS.

A large number of deputations waited on the Minister at the Borough Chambers, the local deputations being introduced by Mr C. K. Wilson, member for the district. Messrs Boddie, Scholes, Wall and Somerville introducsd the question of roads, dealing with the general aspect of roading a* affecting the district generally. Mr Boddie expressed pleasure that the King Country should have been paid the distinguished honour of having received the first official visit of the new Minister for Public Works, and extended a hearty welcome to Mr Fraser. He congratulated the new Cabinet on attaining office,and said he felt sure the country would receive sympathetic consideration at all times. Probably no district in the Doimnion to-day required such a great amount of money for development work, but in the circumstances they had decided not to askfor too much. Other districts had to be considered, consequently the deputation would only deal with the most urgent and necessary works. There wpre four roads which it was desirable to have pushed ahead at the earliest possible opportunity. The Te Kuiti-Awakino road was the main arterial thoroughfare between Auckland and Taranaki and opened up a great district. From that road a large number of branch roads were running opening up separate districts. A scheme for metalling the road and branch roads was now being promoted, and would be placed before the Minister in due course. The Ahuroa road, leading from Te Kuiti into the Rangitoto block was practically the only road to the east of Te Kuiti, and it opened up a large extent of both Crown and native land. It was highly important connection and deserved every cunsideracion. Mr Finnis said that in respect to the Rangitoto road three miles of formation work had been done, but about three miles more had to be constructed. The estimate cost was about £I3OO. The portion already formed was in a very bad state, and the settlers asked that the whole length should be put in a fit state to metal. The settlers intended to raise a special loan to metal it, and requested that the loan should be subsidised £ for £ by the Government. The Main Trunk road from Te Kuiti to Poro-o-tarao which would eventually be the through connection to Wellington province was also advocated by Mr Boddie and supported by Mr Hardy. The connecting of Oparure with Waitomo in order to form a much shorter stock route for settlers and also to open up thf country between the points mentioned was also urged. A road had been surveyed and the connection was highly important. Another portion of the Trunk road between Hangatiki and Te Kuiti was advocated, the speaker pointing out that the survey had been completed for some years and the connection only | meant about three miles of formation through practically flat country. In concluding Mr Boddie made a strong appeal for the roads mentioned. Mr Boddie said in Mr Wilson the district had a member who possessed a good knowledge of the requirements and he would be able to supply any further necessary information. Mr Scholea, in supporting the previous speaker, said last season had been exceptionally rough, and it had been impossible to get as much work done as was anticipated. The first metalling undertaken by the settlers had just commenced, and the district needed all the assistance it was possible for the Government to give. He advocated the subsidy "system in preference to grants. In the past th« grants had been spent and the full benefit had not been obtained. Where settlers were willing to help themselves they should be assisted, and the whole country would benefit. The Awakino road was a highly important arterial connection used by people in Taranaki, Ohura, Waitomo and surrounding districts. He trusted every consideration would be extended to the settlers in their efforts to improve the roads. Mr Fraser. in reply, said the representations made would receive careful consideration. Much depended upon the amount of money placed at his disposal, but he thought the finances would be satisfactory. He could not help thinking from what he had heard that a good deal of money had been wasted by delaying the metalling of the roads. Formation and metalling should be accomplished as soon as possible, and it would be found to be cheaper in every respect. There was no economy in having to keep on

re-forming earth work year after year. As far as was possible he intended adopting the principle of metalling immediately f jrmation was completed. The economical administration of the department was of the highest importance. Every 20s saved that way meant an additional 20« available for work. He had seen enough to show him that a great amount of work was necessary in the district. When Parliament rose he intended visiting the various districts throughout the Dominion and making himself thoroughly acquainted with the details of the department. He was not a man of words, and preferred to De judged by his deeds.

Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P., returned thanks on behalf of the deputation He said he was sure the district would benefit by Mr Fraser's administration of the department, and in meeting the settlers he was making himself acquainted with their requirements to an extent not otherwise possible.