PARAKAI.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 18 July 1918, Page 3

PARAKAI.

[Qwjtf CORRESPONDENT1!

At the invitation of the Domain Board the Hon. Sir James Allen, Minister for Defence and Acting-Premier, paid a visit to the Hot Springs on Wednesday, 10th, inst., accompanied by Mr S. Dickson, M.P. for Parnell. The visitors arrived by motor, specially provided by Messrs Jas. McLeod and H. Aitkenhead. The Minister, after a brief inspection of the baths, under the conductorship of the Chairman of the Domain Board (Mr J. F. Lambert), expressed himself as delighted •with what he had seen, especially the waters of the swimming bath. Here, credit is due to the caretaker, Mr Cormack. who had everything in applepie order. The time for the visit was very limited, as the party had to catch the Dargaville boat. Nevertheless a lot of business in connection with the development of the grounds, etc., was brought before the Minister by Mr Lambert who, in extending him a hearty welcome, said he he hoped this was the first of many visits. Mr Lambert then pointed out the difficulties under which the Domain Board were struggling to meet past and present contingencies. The Board at plpsent had an overdraft of £360, for which each member became responsible personally. The Government had, so far, granted about £3000. This, with the revenue obtainable from the different sources, had been spent in buildings, drainage, cultivating the grounds, and forming , and laying out of greens, etc., ■which the Chairman considered proved the sound economic expenditure of their finance. He then impressed on the Minister the vital importance of the authorities taking action, either by giving greater grants, or by taking over control, as at present there was not sufficient accommodation for the, public who came to avail themselves of the medicinal values of the waters. He also brought forward the lighting question and many other wants, which need immediate attention.

Mr H. Aitkenhead, Chairman of the Waitemata Council, also expressed his pleasure at meeting the Minister, and endorsed what Mr Lambert had said as

to the difficulties and needs of the Board,

rr The public were deserving of much better n&/bcitering for than the Domain Board . could offer at |present, and though the \ evenue was increasing, it left no margin for improvements.

Mr Aitkenhead touched lightly on the question of the sand drifting in from the West Coast and 'encroaching on the settler's property, and said the Council •was alive to its responsibilities in the

matter,

Mr James McLeod stated he could reiterate and confirm all that had been said in regard to Pomain matters*, and also gave a lot of information about earlytimes, and the trouble in getting any? thing done by way of grants or assistance to improve matters. i{e also iustanced the many wonderful cures which had been effected by the use of the waters.

gir James Allen gave a very hearing to the speajfpjrs, and'-in reply stated that he would get a report, and bring jis favourably befqre hjs colleagues,