THE STATE SAWMILL

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 July 1915, Page 3

THE STATE SAWMILL

THE following letter has been received from Mr Coates, M.P., by Mr F. Tucker, re the Northern Wairoa correspondent's remarks we copied from a recent issue of the Auckland " Star" : —

Dear Sir, —I thank you for your letter of recent date re a reported statement of mine appearing in the Auckland "Star,', dated 6th July, 1915, alleging that " I scouted the idea of the proposed State sawmill being erected in Helensville."

I was asked at Dargaville recently whether it was a fact that the Government intended erecting a mill at Helensville, and my reply was that no decision had been arrived at.

An enquiry was made by a committee of gentlemen, appointed by the Government, to recommend what in their opinion was the most suitable site, but that report has not been made public, and I know nothing of the contents. I certainly never used the term as reported in the " Star."

Those who know me are well aware that I never treat suggestions in such a spirit. And the site for such a mill must be carefully selected and only determined upon after all details are considered. One gentleman writes to me and says that by erecting the mill at Helensville a saving of over £200,000 will be effected. If that is so, I should say that the prospects of having the mill at Helensville are very bright. Let me assure you that I am quite prepared to abide by the evidence that can DEFINITELY show on practical business lines in the interests of the State why a certain site should be selected.

Some three years ago I was asked while delivering a political address at Dargaville, would I use my influence to nave the Waipoua State Forest reservation lifteu. My reply was in the affirmative. I induced the Government to set up a Commission, and the result was, to say the least of it, satisfactory. At the same time (three years ago), and ever since then, I have been asked if I favoured the proposal to erect a mill to cut the timber at Dargaville. My reply was again in the affirmative. I have also asked the Prinie Minister similar questions on the floor of the House.

May I point out that it is only within the last 12 months that your town has put in a claim, and only after the committee of gentlemen went to Helensville to get evidence.

In conclusion, I can assure you that my attitude in approaching the question is quite unbiased, and will deal fairly with all concerned.—Yours truly

J. Gordon Coates,