MINISTER'S VISIT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 21 March 1918, Page 2

MINISTER'S VISIT.

HON. G. W. RUSSELL AT

HELENSVILLE,

The Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister for Public Health and Internal Affairs, had a very busy time in Helensville on Saturday morning last, receiving deputations from the members of the Domain Board, and the local fishermen. The hon. gentleman, accompanied by his secretary, had just arrived from Dargaville, after an extensive tour throughout the North, having travelled many miles by road, and fortunately they struck good weather during the whole tour.

The Minister was greatly surprised at what he saw, and was of opinion that the large tracts of waste land could carry at least one sheep to* the acre. He stated that the roads were ; {n a most deplorable condition—that is, if they can be called roads. " What can you expect," he remarked, " when during the whole of my travels throughout the North, I saw only a couple of surfacemen at work on the roads." DOMAIN BOARD DEPUTATION At 9.30 a.ma journey out to the Hot Springs was made, and after the Minister had inspected the baths, he received a deputation from the Domain Board. The Ckairman (Mr J. F. ..Lambert), after reading out a statement of receipts and expenditure, which showed a balance to their credit, said the Board had no money to carry out certain necessary improvements, and that they had no power to borrow. The lighting system especially was very primitive. He also pointed out the advantages of establishing a convalescent home for soldiers. Hon. Mr Russell aaid the place reflected great credit on the management, and that any moneys required would have to come from the Tourist Department. He recommended that the Hon. W. McDonald, who was in charge, should be invited to see the baths and grounds. Huge sums of money had been spent at Rotorua for various curative treatments, and it would not do to clash with that resort, but, continued the Minister, your baths should be placed on the same footing as Rotorua for all that. Your springs only want developing, and to do that you should go in for more advertising ; you want a big: hoarding up at the Auckland station, and also an advertisement in the railway time-table. The Minister concluded by saying he would do all in his power to place things on a better footing, and would refer the matter to the Hon. W. McDonald. "

Mr H. Aitkenhead said that Helensville Hot Springs should not take second place to Rotorua. The former baths had cured in many cases where the latter had failed. That was a well-known fact. A better lighting system was badly wanted—lighting up . the baths with a few candle was no good. It was the same with advertising—that was very poor also. The place was getting into a stagnant state, and it was time the Government took a hand and got them out of the ruck. The Board should not be held responsible for the upkeep of the baths and grounds. Mr McLeod said that £200 had been put on the estimates', but that was utterly useless, as about £800 would be nearer the requirements for the improvements necessary to make the place up-to-date, but as they have no power to borrow they were helpless. They could get no assistance from the Tourist Department either. The speaker also commented on the very bad lighting, and that the assistant was wsrkiiig seven days a week. Mr H. Graham said he had come across a number of people who had every praize for the curative properties of the Helensville Springs, and others who had left Rotorua after tieatment there and come to Helensville to be cured. Hon. G. W. Russell said he was very pleased to hear the plain outspoken manner of the deputation. He considered they had done very well under the circumstances and with the amount of money at their disposal. The tourist resorts were now in the Hon. W. McDonald's charge, and the speaker would place matters before him. With regard to a convalescent home for wounded soldiers, he mentioned the fact that enormous sums of money had been spent at Rotorua in fitting up the appliances for the various treatments, and he thought it better to have one place properly fitted up than to have others scattered about. However, the Minister for Defence was the proper person to apply to in this matter. They should go in for electric lighting, and it would be an easy matter to run a wire from the township to the Springs. It would also make the town more attractive ; he was -suprised to hear they were living in the dark ages. They were slightly handicapped through their Member, Mr J. Gordon. Coa.tes, being absent—nobly doing his little bit for the Empire, and to any district whose Member is away fighting every sympathy and consideration will be given by the Government. Mr J. Dickson, M.P., who is acting for Mr Coates, should be invited to visit the Springs. The speaker concluded by saying that they should have medical assistance associated with the baths, and he promised to do all in his power to accede to their requests.

Mr Lambert explained that a lighting scheme was on the boards, but material being so expensive during the war, the syndicate who held the option let the matter lapse. They also had a masseuse on the premises, but owing to ill health the lady was compelled to give up the position. ;

After the usual round of courtesies the deputation withdrew.

The Hon. G. W. Russell was then entertained to luncheon at the Parakai House, where a very enjoyable repast was partaken of, the catering being in the capable hands of Mrs Little. The following was the toast list:—" The King " ; " Army and Navy " (proposer Mr Jas. Stewart, responder Mr Jas.

Stewart); " The Allies " (proposer Mr H. Graham, responder Mr J. Carter); "Our Guest" (proposer Mr J. Lambert, responder Hon. G. W. Russell); " Local Bodies " (proposer Mr Wallace, responder Mr H. Aitkenhead).