THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO Helensville, Thursday, July 8, 1915 TEE STATE SAWMILL

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 8 July 1915, Page 2

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO

Helensville, Thursday, July 8, 1915 TEE STATE SAWMILL

With which is incorporated " The Kaipara Advertiser &Waitemata Chronicle."

INTENSE INDIGNATION AT i DARGAVILLE Up Against A Snag \ IS MEMBER COATES PLAYIN(i THE GAME ? THE Northern Wairoa correspondent of the Auckland Star is reported to have said in last Tuesday's issue—" It was current rumour here a few days ago that the Government had decided to put the proposed State sawmill to cut up the Waipoua forest at Helensville. This intense indignation here. Mr Coates, M. P., now denies the rumour. He says the report of the informal commission which inquired into the matter of sites has not yet reported to Parliament. He scouts the idea of the mil) being erected at Helensville."

Hitherto the ECHO has been laying low and awaiting developments as to the result of the late Government Commission sent round the Kaipara district last summer to inquire into the best site available ' for the proposed State sawmill. At present their report has not been presented to Parliament, so it is amusing to read of the rumour that Government had decided to put the proposed State sawmill to cut up the Waioua forest at Helensville, and that the said rumour aroused "intenseindignation here" (meaning Dargaville). But it takes little to upset the liver of some people, especially if they happen to be one-sided and avaricious.

Of course 'intense indignation' meant pulling the wires fast and furious, therefore it was scarcely to be wondered at that the Member for the district, Mr Coates, should be aroused from his slumbers, and so, to play into the hands of Dargaville, the largest centre of population in Kaipara electorate, Mr Coates is reported to have replied—"He scouted the idea of the mill being erected at Helensville." If this be correct, then all'the ECHO can say is this —That Mr Coates should have shown better sense than to take sides on this most important and vital question affecting Helensville as it does.

If Mr Coates has anything to say why Helensville should not possess the said State sawmill, then he should make his statement on the floor of the House In effect we are given to understand that the Commission in question greatly favours Helensville for the State sawmill site, but of course Parliament has to settle the matter, and we demand as a matter of fair play that there be no wire-pulling or hole-and-corner business in settling the question. There are many members on both sides of the House who know much about the merits of the case —tliey know Helensville and Dargaville too—therefore it is imperative and only fair that all should have their say and influence. Lobbying will not do us, though the Government can boast of having one of a majority. We must keep our eyes on Mr Coates apparently, and also get up "intense indignation " should there be need.