PREMIER ON WEST COAST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 846, 31 May 1910, Page 3

PREMIER ON WEST COAST.

- - THE OTIRA TUNNEL CASE

Reefton, May 27

The Prime Minister arrived at Reefton to-day, and was formally welcomed. He received deputations from the luangahua Miners’ Union re the rider added to the verdict of the jury in the Otira accident case. Mr Betts strongly impressed on the Prime Minister to adequately protect workers at the tunnel, and incidentally at all underground woik. The Prime Minister replied that the Government had seriously considered the rider given at the inquest, and was taking every possible step to see that the health and safety of the workers were protected in every possible way. It was the main idea of the Government to do all possible in the way of providing safeguards. The Minister of the Department concerned had the matter under careful consideration. Of course they had to take care lest they imposed on the conditions of the contract. The contractors also were anxious to do their best to preserve the health and safety of their employees. Strong exception was taken by the Chamber of Commerce and County Council to the administration of the Nelson Land Board, and a deputation urged the opening of the thousands of acres lying dormant. The Prime Minister was afterwards entertained at luncheon. Grey mouth, May 28. The Prime Minister and party left early this morning by special train aud coach to Cass, where a special carriage aud engine were in waiting to convey them to the Broken River train in time to catch the Maori at Lyttelton tonight, completing the through journey iu under 24 hours. This is the second train run between Cass and Broken River, the former being on the occasion of the Bealey tunnel accident. The Prime Minister, in unveiling a memorial tablet yesterday, paid a high eulogium to the late Mr Joseph Petrie for his long and valuable services to Greymouth.