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Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1162, 7 January 1880, Page 2

3lk. Ojjver, Minister for Public Works, is expected to visit Oamaru in a few days. It is most important that the opportunity of placing before him a full and truthful statement of how Oamaru is situated as regards public buildings should be taken advantage of to the fullest possible extent. We are sure thai Mr. Oliver has only to listen to a recital of our wrongs and they will be righted. He would not permit; the stigma of neglecting to work such necessary reforms to attach to his official career. Out of proper deference to his colleagues, he may inform the inevitable deputation that he must of course consult them before making any promises of compliance with its requests. But this is what is technically termed "gag" by dramatists, and has been recognised by Ministers as a strong entrenchment since the days of Sir Donald M'Lean and Dr. Pollen. However, we approve of it. Ministers are sometimes bored by deputations, whose requests it would be nothing short of criminal to grant. In such cases less of the time of Ministers and deputations is wasted by the deputationised quietly agreeing-'—not to the requests, but to consult their colleagues. But the matters the Oamaru deputation will have to bring before the notice of Sir. Oliver are such as are not only of Oamaru, but of colonial importance, and we anticipate that he will be able to exercise his political omnipotence and at once satisfy the deputation by promising that he will place on the next estimates the sums requisite to carry out the public works asked for. If the deputation arms itself with full particulars and arguments, there will be no reason why Oamaru should remain mnch longer without a suitable gaol, Customhouse, Courthouse, and Post and Telegraph Offices.