MINISTERS ON TOUR

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8343, 1 February 1913, Page 5

MINISTERS ON TOUR

MR FISHER IN 'WESTLAND. Press Association. HOKITIKA, January 31. Tho Hon. F. M. B. Fistier arrived this morning, and was welcomed by tho chairman of tho Westland branch of tho Political Reform League. Subsequently ho was waited on by a deputation consisting of the Mayor, county chairman, and citizens' representatives with reference to tho Southern ocean service serving tho South VV'estland settlements. The Minister, in the course of a sympathetic reply, said the Government policy was to assist those communities that showed a desire to help themselves, and if, as was mooted, the settlers and residents arrange for a suitable boat tho Government would give a subsidy towards the cost of construction and also provide a mail subsidy under reasonable conditions. The Minister, inspects the harbour works this afternoon, and addresses a public meeting to-night, and afterwards will bo entertained by tho local Reform League. Further deputations wait on him to-morrow, and later in the day he proceeds north to Groymouth. MR HERBIES AT DANNBVIBKB. DANNEVIRKE, January 31. Tho Hon. W. H. Horries arrived at Dannevirko last night, and was deputationised concerning local matters, particularly with regard to the Tiratu native block, which the Government was urged to acquire in the interests of tho town. The Minister promised that tho Crown would purchase tho land if tho natives were willing to sell at Government valuation. He was not in favour of compelling the natives to sell land before it was individualised, as they would not have had an, opportunity of working their places. Regarding a dangerous railway crossing, tho Minister said tho whole question of railway crossings was being considered by the department. ' He had received reports on all dangerous places, with a view to devising some scheme to render them less dangerous. Ho left for "Wellington at midday.