VISIT OF THE WELLINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM TO NELSON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5403, 22 July 1878, Page 2

VISIT OF THE WELLINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM TO NELSON.

On Friday evening at 6 o’clock 5 a team representing our local football players lelt for Nelson by the 8.3. Wellington, to try their skill against their old opponents, and as a very good fifteen'had been got together, it was; hoped that a change in the ill-fortune of our “kiokists ” would take place. The fifteen did not include all those 1 originally selected but it was thought that no stronger team had started from this on any previous occasion. All were in good fair condition, but they had not had an opportunity of playing together, and could not be pronounced to be in first-class form. Hopes ran high, but when the Heads had been cleared, . and a southerly; swell made some more or less unwell, a few hagai) to wonder how they would get on if . half the team were seasick during the trip, and landed somewhat weak. The smooth water of the sounds 5 soon got up their spirits ‘ again, and early in the morning, when they turned s out after a good night’s rest, and found the water calm, with every promise of a lovely day, confidence increased rapidly, and by the time-breakfast was over thpy were prepared to meet anyone. The ■French Pass was gone through just before it was broad daylight; and . the lovely scenery was hardly seen to full advantage. A stoppage was made opposite the works of the D’Urville Copper Company, to pick up Mr! Manton, tho manager, who was going to Nelson, and the information he gave respecting the workings and rich outcrop of the lode which had- just been discovered was received with. much interest.' Some specimens of 1 copper ore he ex- , hibited were very rich.; The; chief Tored, the proprietor of I}'Orville Island. and the holder, of a large number of shares in. the company, was also a-passenger, and seemed to- be equally I ,as confident as - Mr. Mantou ■ of. ■ the future, of the mine. The cottages of the men* employed i at the mine are high up on the hill, and the work: of carrying the timber up was very tough. Now a track has been cut, and it is somewhat easier to "et up aud down. . When the ore is ready for export in" large" quantities it oan_ be sent down to the water side by a tram or a 'wire * railway, and ships can lie close in shoror~_Xn Blind Bay the water was perfectly smooth, and under a bright sun;- with a clear sky, Nelson looked very pretty indeed. . The boulder bank, the narrow "entrance, and the force of tho tide in the, harbor . greatly, surprised those who paid a first visit,; and ! how the boulder bank came tbere was'once again a matter for‘womler. On reaching . the! wharf the footballers were welcomed by representatives of' the Nelson Fifteen, aud a drag with four horses'took the players up to the Masonic Hotel, where, after -lunch, the, teams dressed and started for the ground. This is situated in what is called the Botanical .Keserve, which la as yet very .much unimproved hotanically. The Aground is nearly leveL and was-in. .good order, tho only fault found the visitors

being that the boundaries marked were rather ■ - Email. ■ .I'. - . The Wellington moil aa-ero decided favorites, but there avas no betting, and the i mat.di, although it caused a good deal of talk, failed to draw anything but-a very small attendance, the shillings at the gates making up but a trifling subsidy to the funds of the Nelson Club. Boys were on the ground in 'shoals, but of older folks there- were not many. Throughout.the match, which consisted of four halfhours, , tho visitors had the best of it, and finally,,won by a goal, and a try. The goal was kicked very well by Taylor, ono of tho College Club, who, not daunted by tho rush of his opponents, sent the ball flying fairly between the goal posts, and high over the lino, i for which “he was carried shoulder high by some of his comrades. C. Polleiij secured the i try by a piece of real football play, for he dribbled tho hall right through several of his opponents, and touched it , dowu against odds. Davie got a try by equally -good play, of a different kind. Picking up the ball some 23 yards'from the goal, he dodged a ■ couple, and when Firth, the gigantic captain of the Nelson team, tried to stop him, Davie ■' jumped at him and knocked him over ; then . breaking away from another who collared him, ho dodged the “back”: and touched down. Taylor took the kick hit, but sent tho bulla trifle too low. This made a goal arid a try for Wql- ' lingtnn, the only scores made during the match, for Nelson did not get a point. The Wellington men played "a very safe game*,, and they succeeded, for. their back never onco had the ball during the two boon.'. Great pluck and determination were displayed by [the Nelson .men, especially in the last half hour, but they ' wore not so heavy as their opponents,, and did ii not last so well. ’ However, the'last half-hour ■was the most' interesting time daring; thei match, and there were some brilliant runs and ■, capital kicking. Both sides played with great good feeling,- and' although. thSre wore some hard‘knocks and bad falls, all were taken iri good part. Even a Nelson ; man, who was thrown head first into a may hedge, seemed not at all disconcerted, and picked” the thorns out of his head as oppor-

tunity offered. At the conclusion of the. matoh’eaoh party cheered the other; and in ’ the evening at a dinner‘ to the-visitors at McGee’s Hotel, each team toasted’ and .cheered the other in the most enthusiastic manner. The whole thirty drove down to the port at shortly before 12 o’clock, and the bidding’ good-bye .on board the steamer was a work of ; time. As they left the wharf the ■Wellington’s big gun was fired as a parting solute. Tha.weather continued very fine, the

sea being perfectly. smooth, and Picton avas at breakfast time. After a'short run ashore, a start was made for the Empire City, and a nice north-avest breeze across the Strait sent the steamer along at* a great rate under all plain sail. .At 3 o’clock the wharf avas ■ arrived at, and the footballers received the con-

gratnlations of many of their friends and fellow players. All were pleased with their trip, and ■ Captain McGee was heartily thanked lot the courteous attention ho had bestowed on the voyagers. A veryi shocking accident occured as the players were driving'from the ground. A hoy about six years of age tried to run. across the road immediately behind the- four-horse drag, but the poor little follow was knocked down and run over by a cab which was close up. Both wheels passed across his loins, and the horse in another cab was stopped just as the wheel had rested oh one of the boy’s legs. He was quite insensible when picked up, and ' died late in the evening. Very soon after th*e accident happened : a doctor, was in attendance, but there was no possibility of saving the child’s life.

(per press agency.)

The above match was played on the Botanical Reserve ■at Nelson on Saturday last. The weather was everything that could be desired, and there was Consequently a large assemblige of spectators. It wap arranged to play for four half hours, and to decide the match by a majority of goals and tries only. Wellington won. the .toss, and; chose the western goal,; whereby Nelson bad the disadvantage of facing the sun for the f first half-hour. The ball was set in.motion by Kith at 2.30 p.m'., and the .Wellington forwards playing well together soon had the ball in close proximity to their opponents goal. , After »ne or two scrimmages Welsh dropped the ball behind the Nelson goal line, Firth kicked off, and some capital runs were made by Clouston, Berry, and Cooper." C. Polleu at length got a chance,and availed himself of the opportunity by securing another force-down. Nelson tried hard to carry the ball away from their ground, and Jennings and H. Hodgson worked, their , hardest, but Wellington was hot to be denied, and Nelson was shortly compelled for the third time to [touch down in self-defence. Time,was soon afterwards;called. The Nelson team hoV had the advantage of the sun at their backs, and the play became more even. Wellington showed superiority in scrimmages, , Cowie and, Galbraith especially distinguishing themselves, and by their united play forced the ball into the enemy’s quarters. - Hodgson and’ Jehhings made a determined effort and returned the ball into neutral ground. The Wellington quarter-backs fumbling the ball gave the Nelson forwards a chance, and a rush carried the ball for the first time behind the Wellington quarter-d’stance flags. Several scrimmages ensued, and Berry at last with a dashing run averted the danger, and again changed the scene'df action to the Nelson quar- • ters.' Galbraith made a fair catch, and placed the ball for Welsh, ‘bat the kick being a long ■ -one was unsuccessful. Time being.called, a rearrangement of the Wellington team - was, ' made. The advantage of this was soon made apparent, and the ball wasimmediately carried into i the Nelson quarters; Viokerman was temporarily placed hors de conibut, having been r, brought to earth and stunned while attempting to collar Davy. He was, however, , soon "■' brought round, and very pluokily resumed-his - quarterback. : Several scrimmages, and then 0. Pollen, njade the first score of the.

day by a nm-in. Theory was taken by Taylor, and converted into a goal, amidst loud ' 1 cheers. , Another force-clown was shortly after - obtained, and within five minutes Davie ran. - through the Nelson ranks in magnificent style, and a second try was gained. ‘ The kick was • unfortunately mulled by, Taylor, and a fifth : force-’dowq was the only,result. , Some. ' good runs = by Campbell, Berry, Jennirigs, and Clouston, and- time was called. The last half-boar had now : arrived, and Nelson had a Tot of lost , ground to ■ pull ■ up. «They struggled gamely but uselessly. 1 The bines drove the ball behind the Nelson v posts, and 'CV Hodgson touched down in selfdefence. ’’The ball not being, fairly stopped, Campbell touched it. down and claimed a try. A.dispute arose, the Wellington umpire de- ' daring in favor of his team, and'the Nelson umpire giving an adverse decision. . The matter -was finally settled by the Wellington i. yen resigning their, claim. Both sides: were playing hard, Berry being very conspicuous - through his good play. Three more forcedown were obtained by Wellington, one being -.■a very good shot at the goal by Welsh, who nearly succeeded in lifting the ball over the tape. On " no - side ” being' called, the Web liogton team were declared the victors by one goal and one try to nothing. Bor the-Nelson team, H. Hodgson, Jennings, and Wells were the, best’of the .forwards, and Clouston and .Yickorman did.good service as quarter-backs. Dither, unusual feature of the. game sv/aa that during the whole of the two hours’ play ‘ th‘e\ydlihg)!on hack did hot once have occasion tofoijch'tke ball. The names of the respective teams are as follows : Wellington. —Campbell ; (back and forward), Davie (half and quarter back), Taylor (half ,;baek),Betry and Welsh, captain (quarter-backs), ..Cooper ( (forward and half-back), H. Pollen i(forwatd< and back), Cowio; Galbraith, C. .i?olleD, x ßnrhes, .Churton", AVright, Hickson, and Lockett: jemergencies, Kane and Oonnal; umpire, A. T. Bate. ■ . Hodgson' (back), , Asher and captain, (halfbacks), Clouston, Viekerman, and AValker (quarter-backs), Barnett, ;Jehmngs, Burnett, Curtis; H. Hodgson,: Hayr cock) Klngawell, Stafford, and Wells ; umpire, Dr. Canboy.' • The Wellington men were entertained at dinner during the evening, and left’ Nelson at midnight, arriving here about three o’ slock on Sunday afternoon.' V; '" s " ’’

DEPUTATION FHOM GREYMO UTH. ■ On Saturday last, at ■ll a.m, a deputation consisting of-'Mr, Wooicock,-M.H.R. for Grey, Valley, Mr. Guinu'ess, ChaU-raari of the Grey County Council, Mr. Nancarrow, Mayor 1 of Greymouth, arid Mr.’Martin Kennedy waited oa the Minister for Public Works (lion. Mr. Macaridrew) with tho view of bringing under the notice of the Government several important mitters connected with that part of the colony. The deputation.was 1 most courteously received bv the Minister for Public Works, and shortly after the commencement of the proceedings the lion. Mr. Billance came into the room. Mr. Guinness, who acted as spokesman, -«aid : Wo have called on yon.with reference to tlio Greymouth harbor works. There' is a considerable amount of uneasiness felt in the town amongst tho inhabitants on account of tho cessation of these works. They were stopped, as you are aware, on the 29th of last ibouth, and of course nothing has been done since.' A large public .meeting was held at Greymouth on the Ist of this m inth, at which we wore appointed a deputation to urge upon tho Government the immediate prosecution of those works, and the absolute neco-ity for their being carried out to .completion. It is for that reason, therefore, that we have coma to wait upon yon. The ; works, so far as they bavo been prosecuted, are doing a considerable nniount of good to the harbor, and in fact the masters of shipping coming there find that the channel is now straight, aad : although there has been a continuance of southerly gales, the water has deepened all up the river, and to tho extent of two feet on the bar. I suppose the Resident Engineer will report to the Government on that part of the subject also. The people of Greymouth consider that the works ought to be pushed forward to completion, as both the Government and the Parliament have recognised them as a national undertaking, and that therefore they ought to be carried out without any delay at all. Of course the works which the Government iutqnd to carry out are stopped now at a’ very important point, and, as far as we know, there is no reason why they should be. Besides tho continuance of the works in a seaward direction, we also wish to urge,upon you the necessity of erecting coal staiths (shoots) and storage sh&ls. At the present time there is no accommodation‘for that purpose, and the few trucks in which the coal is stored do not hold enough to freight one or two vessels. These, when emptied, return .for more [coal, and the consequence is that vessels are delayed in loading ; whereas, if there existed proper storage - accommodation, the coals could be brought down to the port, and stored there ready for shipment. There is also another matter which we should-like-to-bring under your notice—the harbor and tonnage dues. These-press very heavily on vessels coming into the port for coal only, and the towage charges are very heavy. For instance, to a steamer like the Grafton the towage amounts to £3O. ■ "

Hoa. Mr. Maoandbew : That is a private affair ? ' ■ i. ■ ’

, Mr. Guinness : Yes; but it is with a view to urging upon the Government the necessity of subsidising or providing a tug-boat that we bring the matter under your notice.. To show you how great the towage is, as I said before, the Grafton has.to pay £3O, and 9d. per; ton on the registered tbanage, which in her case amounts to £lO ss. fid. ; then there are light dues amounting to £1 2s. lod. ; so that puts on £ll and some , odd shillings for expenses in coming to the part for coals. We think the port ought to be made as free as possible for the coal trade! We think a tug-b at c mid be subsidised for £ISOO or £2ooo,per annum ; ,or the Government, if they felt.a? disposed, oonUl buy one. The cost would be recouped by the extra carriage of coals on theßrnnuer railway,, and the Government would bo certain to make a'considerable profit by the transaction. If the port were free, and every facility given for taking coal, away, and only a rate charged upon the tonnage of cargo brought .in—not upon the registered tonnage of vessels—it would double the trade of the port, and therefore double the returns on the railway. These are the three principal matters we wish to bring under your notice,—the immediate necessity for the prosecution of these harbor works, the necessity there exist i for the erection of these coal staiths, and thirdly the subsidising of a steam tug, or the purchase of one by the Government for the port, and an alteration being made in the tonnage dues, which we say ought to be on the amount of cargo each vessel brings" in, aud not upon her registered tonnage. Vessels will not come to take away a few, .tons of coal ■if they have to -.pay such high charges. Thera are three coal mines now -in- full working- order at Brnnnertoa," sending away 1000 tons .of coal a day. The harbor and tonnage does avere. all made, over to the •Government by the Council on the .faith* and understanding that the Government would, prosecute these works.- X believe the revenue derived from that source is pretty considerable. •

Hon. Mr. Macandiiew ; I quite agree with you that it is most desirable the port should be free. In'fact, I should like to see .all New Zealand free. At all events, I think the dues should be regulated so as to meet the actual cost of the establishment only, such as light, pilotage, &c. .What was the object of the tonnage dues ? Mr. Kennedy ; It is a harbor fund. It was originally in force by the Corporation for the purpose of maintaining the wharf, which was a source of heavy expense to them. The Government took over the wharf, and continued the same charges. AVe don’t press this exemption, except that an alteration should be made. so as to charge the tonnage .upon every inward caijgo, not upon the registered tonnage of the vessels. AVith regard, to, the towage, we don’t want to mix that up with the present question that we come to soa you about, the towage being a private affair ; no doubt it is important for tbo working of the trade. ‘ It is, at the same time, a new question, and we don’t want to’ bring it forward, except as a matter' of secondary consideration.’ Our primary object is to urge upon the Government the prosecution of these works, . ' , Hon. Mr. Maoandbeav ; As far as the towage is concerned, I don’t think there is much probability of Employing a tug-boat or subsidising OUO. You would, I expect, meet with the sams thing everywhere. I think iu Dunedin the merchants pay for a tug-boat. The Harbor Board don’t even support it. ■’ : Hr, Kennedy : AVe don’t urge that at once, but if necessary we could show that it wouldhavo the'most immediate effect in developing the coal trade for the next three or; four years. At the same time, I believe we are unanimous in the opinion that we might leave that matter aside for the present. * ■ ' , Hon. Mr. Maoandbeav ; If wo provided a tug-boat for Greymouth it is.clear we should be called upon to support a tug at Hokitika next, and at Westport, and, all round no doubt. ■ Mr. Gutnness ! You would be able to meet these oases, nud have good answers for them—namely, that by providing a tug-boat at Greymouth -the Government were developing ' a colonial industry. It must be recollected that the people of New Zealand are sending something like £250,000 a year to Newcastle, while as good coals are lying close by. Mr. Kennedy : Supposing the receipts of the railway were increased fay .£300!) a-year ? .r Hon. Mr. Maoandbeav ; That would justify it immediately. • ■ ' ' Mr. Kennedy: It is only on that ground we mention it.

- Hon, : Mr. Macandhew : At'all events, the matter is deserving of consideration, ; and it will be considered at all events. It is only in connection with the railway that the Government would be justified in making provision for a tug. Mr. Kennedy : In fact, it would bo part qf the receipts and expenditure of the railway. Hou, Mr. Macandhew : With regard to the -first point brought under’notice, I tele-: graphed to Mr. Guinness oh the Ist of July,. as follows: ■ ... (Urgent.) 'Wbeeisoton, Brd July, Harbor work has been temporarily suspended (o enable .work to be completely measured up, and full' valuation of -plant made, with a view of engineer roK" igea to whole affair prior to next year’s Estimates dealt, with. At .present the appropriation has been exceeded by £3OOO, and whatever Is being spent is without the authority of law. Government bps no Intention of abandoning the work,, but has not the means of proceeding further without the sanction of the Legislature, which assembles In about three weeks. If when engineer’s report is received wo can see our way to anticipate this sanction, work will be resumed forthwith. Under the circumstances therefore 1 presume that deputation will be deemed unnecessary. I repeat that I look upon the work as a national undertaking, which having been so far commenced must be proceeded with. ■i-,'- * ■ J. Macandhew.

A. 11. Guinness, Esq., Orcyraonth.’: - - I think from that you can aeo that the Government bad no intention of abandoning the work. Since then, the, question of; erecting coal staitha baa been under consideration; with a view, perhaps, of qiroviding employment ponding the vote of the House. , We have no power to expend money, as you aro aware, without a vote, and my idea was that if this work were' contracted for , the contractor would find the money-until the Government got a vote. have been glvbn to put in hand at onoe ithe portibn’of the’staiths indicated in that ; plan (produced), and I am in hopes that no-uuoeoesaarj: time, will elapse

before tenders are : acoeptedi if suitable tenders can be got. ■ * ' Mr. Kennedy : Wo i have-, no doubt what you stated in the telegram was the opinion of the Government, but yve -were prizzled to understand how the vote was exceeded by actual payments from the. Treasury..: I thought they were monies pledged but not actually expended by-payments frem the Treaniry. . lion. Hr. Macaxdiiew ; I muDrstand ftboy are actual payments ■ from'the we have got the returns,,and can soon sue. ' Mr. Kennedy : That is the reason why ave did not accept your suggestion for making tho deputation unnecessary;.,. In.: tho'next! place,wo know that in the previous year the vote for construction,aval only. £20,090, arid tho whole of that was not spent. This year the vote was £35,000. ~l' , . ■ . ' * : • Hon. Mr. Bali.ance : Was that for wharf! - Mr. Kennedy : It, is “ construction ” —for tho construction of tho Brunner Railway* We took it this avay—that avion any work is authorised, .the. money is* debited though not expended. There was a sum of about £3OOO voted for laud purchase, and a sum for tho construction of a dredge. We ascertained froni the contractors that avhat they avould receive for the year was £13,000, and that there avas about £SOOO outside tho contr actors altogether. With regard to tin engagement made by Mr. '.Richardson avith the Oorp>r.atiqu at tho time, it avas to this effect, that it the first vote avas taken in the House or accepted, it avoutd be bo taken as ah adoption of the avorks, and that although ho took a vote of £1 ),000 only, still ho was preparcal to enter into engagements for treble that amount,, so long as - the money would not be required during that current year. So that ave recognised the amount as a matter of indifference. . , Hon, Mr, SIAOANDBaay n We could only got it out of unauthorised expenditure, and that is exceeded, is it not, Mr. Ballaneo ? > Hon. Mr. Ballanob : Yes. Hon. Mr. MAOANDIiEav : In that case we have got the Commissioner of Audit to deal with. ■ -. . Hr. Kennedy : To stop these avorks is like stopping a railway almost in tho centre without completing it. These mining companies have noav expanded very 1 irgo sums of money. They have spent £40,000 or £150,000 eachj and are pretty nearly in debt, and haam,.got the coal standing on .the avharf. There: has been a prejudice in the matter, and you cannot get vessels to come there all at once. ,

Hoa. Mr. B.u.l.vxoe: What you want is this, that the amount of the vote unexpended shmU be spent at once ? Mr. Kennedy : What they want is the Government.to prosecute the .works. The House having sanctioned the work as a national undertaking, we don’t think there wuuld be any objection raised even if the vote were exceeded, though ive don’t believe it has been exceeded from the Treasury ; it may.be exceeded'from engagements entered into, but the money not actually exceeded from Treasury. If the Government had, not taken that position, "wo shpuld have had a Harbor Board, There is, a complete, collapse in the place in consequence of the stoppage of these works.’ Mr. Guinness ; We think it is hardly the case of an ordinary work, depending on a yote of the House; The House and the country have affirmed the principle that it is a colo-" nial work, and whether the vote is exceeded by £SOOO or £IO,OOO doesn’t matter. We say that ought not to stqnd in the way of the absolute prosecution of the works. * j

Hoii. Mr. Macandrbw : That matters a great deal it we cannot get the money out of the Treasury. Hon. Mr. Baelancb ; It is desirable they should get money to go on with. The Government will manage to get the money as soon as' the House meets.

Mr. Wool, cook, M.H.'R.: There is one important point that has, not yet been referred tp. There is a large number of men out of employment, and there is" a certain amount of suffering amongst laborers. I think that is'a question which ought to be taken into consideration. Yor the present that is perhaps on? of the most important elements in the affair.

Hon. Mr. Macandsew ;' That is a reason which would induce us to go in for, a supply as soon as the House meets, and not wait for it till the end of the session.

M r - Kennedy: If" you are prepare 1 logo bn under an imprest supply that will do.. Hon. Mr. Ballance : There should be no difficulty as far as that is concerned. Hon. Mr. Macandrew : I dont’b anticipate any difficulty. " , Mr. Guinness : If an Imprest Supply Bill were passed at the commencement of the session, that would be satisfactory - Under the imprest they would have the money; now they have not.

, Mr. Woodcock : You wouldn’t require the money.

Hon. Mr. Macandiiew : It is the authority. Hon. Mr. Ballance : The works are net sq urgent that they require money at once ? Hon. Mr. Maoandbeav : The people are out of employment. Hon. -Mr. Ballance : If it is a question of people being out of.employment, then it would be a matter for consideration whether employment could not be found for them elsewhere. Mr. Kennedy : You could go on with the Avorks at once, ’ • Mr. John, Knowles (IJnder-Seoretary for Public Works) and a clerk in the Public Works Department were sent for by the; Minister'with a view of ascertaining whether the vote for these Works had been exceeded by aoutal payments from the Treasury) . The Clerk produced a book to show all the: ■payments that had been actually made, but stated it would take aoiue time to prepare a statement in detail. Mr. Knowles remarked that a statement was made out some time ago, and it was then found-that the vote was exceeded. Mr. Kennedy : We have about £3OOO or £4OOO set aside for land purchase, and there is also an obligation forn steam dredge, and we are under the impression that these sums ate debited though not 'actually paid away. Hon. Mr. Ballance : Who is the engineer in charge of the works ? : . Mr. Knowles : Mr..O’Connor. - Hoc. Mr. Ballance : - Has lie sent in a report? . .. - - r Mr. Knowles: I forwarded a telegram to him for his report on the works, and he will send in his report through Mr. Blair. Mr. Nascarboav ; In my travels around New - Zealand I have heard of the .great scarcity of coal that exists. AVith the encouragement we have had from the result of the works carried out so far, we have, every reason to believe the end of it will be that Greymouth will be an' available port for vessels drawing at any rate Tfffc. of water, winch will allow of a vessel coming in and taking away 500 tons of coal. If we 'oau send away 6000 tons of coal per day instead of 1000 tons, not only will it It be a benefit to the colony, but it will make that a very rising place. ■ Hon. Mr. Macandrew : I look upon it that it would pay the colony to-apajid a large amount of money there. ; Mr. Nascabuow: I believe people tvould agree that Grey coal is better than even Newcastle coal, if we had an opportunity of proving it. ' “ Hon. Mr. Macandbew : You now merelyuse the trucks for storage ?, Mr. Kennedy : Yes. The only thing Ave Avant to urge is that the works should be prosecuted Avith spirit, so as to. make them more immediately reproductive. ; ) r

Hon. Mr. Macandiiew ; AVe shall have to come doAVU Avith an Imprest Supply.Bill on the first day of the session. , Hon. Mr. Ballance : Do you purpose to place a vote on the Estimates ?..

Hon. Mr. Macandhew s Yes. Hou. Mr. Baeeance: Then it could be done in a week or two. Has ■ any estimate been made of the total cost of these works ? Mr. Kennedy : £IOO,OOO from the commencement, and the undertaking, on the. part of the Government was that this money should be expended on harbor improvements. Hon: Mr. Baeeance : “There was a veto of £30,000 last year. Mr. .Kennedy : £35,000. Hon. Mr.’ Baeeance: And the whole of it was expended? a Mr, Kennedy: We thinlc / not. If the Government mean that these works ought to ho carried on as they have been begun, by the plan, it is false economy to delay them. People say, “We httvo heard a good deal about , this coal; how is it wo don't get it ?" It is because bottoms of 80 to 150 tons ’ only, come into Greymouth for coal, while the coal trade ofNew Zealand with Newcastle is carried,on by bottoms of 500 to 1000 tons. If these works were completed, We believe we could compote successfully with Newcastle.

Hon. Mr. Baleance : 1 think the Government are already conscious of all these facts. Hon.“ Mr. Macandhew: I understand that a lot of men are unemployed, and what is wanted is that tho men should .bo started next week. ■ 1 ’ ■ : Mr. Wooecock : That is about it, • Mr. Kennedy : The mam - object is to get employment for the men. I Mr. Wooecock : Oh', no; to .carry on the works. ■ * Mr.' Kennedy: Our main object Is (o gob

the ■; works prosecuted, and not , paralyse industry. The companies have to keep a standing staff of -men and ' servants, and have not h' quarter of the trade they were led to believe. There are coal miners who have been brought from Home and Newcastle on the understanding that they would get plenty of labor, and they are only getting two days’ work iu the whole week.

> Mr., Alacandkew : That argument ii la favor of t'ic work being finished.,Air. Kennedy : There is now 15tt; neap tides,’high water on' the bar proper; bob 20 chain.! inside there is a shoal, where the water, Is 12ft.;:formerly it was Bft. Hon. Mr. Alacandkew : We have' had a .great many prophets of- evil abont this work, and the fact is, I was uneasy about it until Sir John Coode visited the place. That gentleman confirmed ray belief abont the practicability of making a harbor there. Hr. Nancakbow : T think tho results so far justify us in believing that the thing will be a great success in tho end,. - ; Mr. Guinness ; Another matter urged at the public meeting was that the work should be carried on, not by contract,, but by day labor, as it was considered right the Government have thd work iu hand, in case deviations were required to be made. They think tho day labor would be more preferable. Hon. Mr. Baelance ; Why? Air. Guinness ; Because the people would ' be more satisfied, as the work would remain in the hands of the Government. 1 Hon. Hr: B-aluance : Bay labor would be more expensive ? Mr. Guinness : I don't think so. "Mr. Kennedy : We have been given to understand that tho work would have been prosecuted faster if'it had been in the hands of the Govornmtut. Perhaps the engineers are under the impression they could carry on the work cheaper than the contractor. Possibly they would carry it on at the same money, The works are of a varied nature, and it would probably be better if they were carried; on daylabor, but that is a question for the engineers and the Government. Whatever measure is .adopted, it is to be hoped the work will be done quickly. . , Hon. Mr. Alacandkew: No doubt;, about 1 that. (Pointing 'to the map of the Middle Island.) It will be a grand thing when you have a railway over to Christchurch. ‘ Mr. Kennedy ; Christchurch could take 1000 tons a week, and the coals would bear £1 a ton carriage across. If you give ui a promise that these works will go on at once Hon. Air. Alacandkew : T think you may rely on that. • ; Mr. Kennedy : Instead ‘of 100 tons a day tho companies can bring down 1000 tons a'day.It the Government could see their way to providing a steam tug,, they would find it would be a gain to them. We arc convinced it would be an absolute profit. 1

Hon. Air. Alacandkew ; What extent ofsubsidy would indueA the parties to decrease the amount of towage ? • Air. Kennedy : About 5000 tons of cirgo are taken into Gt Bymonth coastwise, and 5000 tons from Alelbourne in the course of a year. If tho charge was fixed at ss. a ton on the inward cargo, it would give a receipt of £2500; The working ■ expenses of the tug, including the cost, would not exceed £3OOO a year. ,Hon. Air. Alacandkew : They* would require a subsidy of £IOOO a year ? Mr. Kennedy : Yes. The engineer thinks it would be a good Speculation for thd Government. - ■ " >,;

Hon. Mr. Alacandkew : It is a question worth looking into, and it would have to be dealt with purely as a part of the railway. Mr. Kennedy : I believe the companies would take it up but for this—that the moment’ one company got a tug, anothe> company would get a tug, and none of them would pay at all. :

Mr. Woolcook : If the Government provided a,tug, and these works were completed, yen would then succeed iu placing this coal in the market at 4s. a ton lower than the present; price, and the railway, as a whole, would pay better than now, so that tho Colonial Treasury would bo benefited, while the additional export would be a great thing to the place. Hon. Air. Alacandkew : I think we may say, Air.’ Ballance, that the matter will be immediately considered iu Cabinet ? Hon. Mr. Baelance : Yes.

Hon. Mr. Alacandkew ; I have no doubt whatever you will carry the war into the enemy’s camp. , / , ’ Air. Kennedy : We tried to do it here, and could compete with Newcastle, if we could get a supply. The Government is even mere largely interested than the companies in this question. . Hon. Mr. Ballance : What is your present export I Mr. Kennedy ; .30,000 tons a year. Mr, Nanoakkow : We could make it 300,000 a year.

Hon. Air. ‘ Ballance : What prevents a larger export ? Not the harbor ? Mr. Kennedy : I have just explained it was the harbor. . Vessels drawing 8 feet of water are a’mist the only, ones that go there, and only vessels of 80 to 150 tons. The coal would not bear more than £1 per ton freight, and £IOO or £l5O would not pay them and the tug charges, and probable,detention. So that the trade has been limited to vessels finding inward cargoes.

Hon. Mr. Alacandkew : I think it would pay the companies very well to get steam colliers constructed of 500 to 1000 tons.

Air. Kennedy : The companies are convinced of that, but they have unfortunately used up' their money, and almost their credit. Hon. Mr. Alacandkew : That is the real secret of the thing ?

■ Mr. Kennedy : Yes. If wo had the means of doing it, it would be done within a week. I suppose we will be warranted lu telling our people that the works will be prosecuted iihmediately, without waiting for a vote of the House? 1 ’ .' ,' ; Hon. Air. Alacandkew : Ye*.’ ..Of course there will bo no difficulty experienced an gettibg a vote of the House. Air. Guinness : You say that tenders will be "called for theseooal staiths ? 1 Hon. Mri Alacandkew ; Yes. v Mr. Woolcock : An Imprest Supply Bill will be got for pay ing wages,? Hon. Alr.-AIACANDBBW ; Yes, as soon ns the House meets, , ‘ ! i

Mr. Kennedy : But meantime no delay will take place in the prosecution of the world? !

Hoh. Air; BalCanoe : The work will be carried on next week. : i

Mr. Kennedy : Thank yon. I think we may ,say our visit has Jieen a highly. satisfactory one.' ' Hon. Air. have sent you sway rejoicing. Tho deputation then thanked Alinisters for their courtesy and, compliance with their wishes, and withdrew. f