FLOOD DAMAGE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12604, 15 November 1926, Page 6

FLOOD DAMAGE

PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER TO INVESTIGATE Per Press Association. WESTPORT, November 14. Hon. Mr Williams, Minister for Public Works, arrived here last evening from Rcelton, where and en route he inspected the flood damage. He was accorded a civio reception by the May. or (Mr C. N. Greenland) on this, the Minister’s first visit to Westport. Mr D• E. Holland (M.P. for the electorate and Leader of the Opposition). Sir J. H. Powell (chairman of the Buller County Council), Mr J. Memjies (exMayor of Westport), and Sir F. S. Wood (for the Buller ' Progress League) also spoke in welcome. The Minister in reply, thanked the speakers and expressed regret that his first visit was made at a time when such disaster had been wrought by flood. He intended to make full enquiry while here and in the adjoining districts and 6ee what could he done in the wav of relief. To-day the Minister, accompanied by-staff engineers and representatives of Westpoyt and'of the Buller Cbunty, inspected the river bank at sites of the worst encroachments. They are also inspecting homes typical of those that suffered flood damage. The Minister makes a tour, of the coastal road ns far as Tiromoana on Monday, and takes deputations in the evening, least ing overland for Nelson on Tuesday.