DISTRICT NEEDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10609, 7 June 1920, Page 3

DISTRICT NEEDS

DEPUTATIONS TO MINISTER. THE HON. J. G. COATES AT NAPIER. PEE PEEKS ASSOCIATION. NAPIER, June 6. The Minister for Public Works arrived at Napier on Saturday evening, and was waited on by a number of deputations from all parts of the East Coast relative to the district’s requirements. Mr J. Vigor Brown, M.P., introduced tho speakers. Air C. Ellison, representing the East Coast Railway and Development League, pleaded for a vigorous prosecution of the East Coast railway, and Mr A. E. dull pointed out that the work could bo commenced simultaneously at Napier, Wairoa, and Gisborne.

Mr R. M. Chadwick asked for a definite assurance that the work on the Wflikarernoana hydro-electric scheme would be proceeded with, and Air N. Beamish said that plenty of labour was available for the work. Mi W. Catfe (Tokomaru Bay) and A. Sinclair (Wairoa) aslied "for improved roads. Air H, 1. Simson (Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board') asked for a £IO,OOO grant towards flood protection. Mr Ellison (representative of tho Napier Chamber of Commerce) asked for the preservation of the native bush around Waikaremoana, and Mr S. McLernon pressed the claims of the now Napier Post Office. Aleesrs R. L. Paterson and J. H. Edraundspn mentioned the desire of business men for telephone lines between Napier and Wellington, and Napier and Taupo, respectively, and Mr Barry asked for improved road access to Putorino.

The soldiers-settlers’ representative of tho Hastings Chamber of Commerce, including Air H. AI. Campbell, AI.P., put forward reasons for draining tho Poukawa lake. The Minister, in reply; expressed a desire for information, and said tho work of tho department must go on in a businesslike way. He could not make definite promises. Numerous works, ho said, were hampered by a dearth of machinery and material, but the outlook was much bettor, and tho position, ho trusted, would be normal in twelve months. He preferred tho contract system in public works. The Waikaremoana tenders were to bo called for road improvements. The Government’s policy was quick development. Waikaremoana was the simplest scheme, and it would bo completed perhaps sooner than the Mangahao. Tho Alinistcr stated that he realised tho importance of a good road between Napier and Gisborne, and tho road would be finished as soon as possible. He promised to report on tho flood question, and to support tho preserving of native bush. The Government's public buildings policy was as already reported in Auckland, and tho telephone extension depended on material being available.