THE HON. R. M'NAB

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 24

THE HON. R. M'NAB

HIS VISIT TO WESTLAND. HOKITIKA, February 19. The Minister of Lands, accompanied by Mr T. Y. Seddon, M.P., arrhed in this district to-day. In the morning the Ministerial party visited the Arahura dairying community. The Minister expressed himself as much impressed with what he had seen, and was surprised and pleased to see tho success of the dairy factory at Hok.itika. In the afternoon the Minister opened the agricultural show, which was largely attended, and Mr M'Nab had a very hearty reception from the assemblage. The Minister spoke of the success which was in store for Westland from an agricultural point of view as their waste lands came into occupation. He was pleased to mark the progress being made, and was delighted with the general excellence of the exhibits. At night the Minister received deputations from the local bodies and others. To-morrow he inspects the agricultural settlements at Kokatahi and Koiteranari, and on the following day- moves south to see some agricultural country in Southern Westland. February 24-. The Hon. R. M'Nab concluded his visit to Westland this morning, having returned from South Westland last night. In the course of an interview the Minister stated that his expectations of the possibilities of the district were considerably exceeded, his visit having proved the resources oi~the district to be very satisfactory. There i* every prospect, he said, as railway communication 16 bettered, that the district will prove highly successful for agricultural purposes. The erection of the bridge over Big Wanganui River is considered, the most urgent work at the present time, and until this is completed dairying industry on the Wanganui Flat cannot succeed ; but* with proper bridginy of the rivers, the Minister stated, this settlement would prove a highly successful one. The proposal for an experimental station in Weatland would be very favourably considered. The district should prove a very substantial feeder to the railway when through communication with Canterbury is made. The pastures of the various settlements were found in splendid condition, in marked contrast to the area in the North Island recently inspected by the I Minister. i With railway communication completed ! and low values of land in comparison with other parts of the Dominion, the Minister asserts that a larpie number of settlers will pour into the district, and its future a3 an agricultural centre be assured. _ j The Minister expressed the opinion that , to secure a wide ranjre of railway feeders , for the East-West Coast railway it will be necessary to extend the railway below . Roes, connecting up the large agricultural centres. Splendid timber areas are available there. . The Minister left Greymouth this morning. The weather has been gloriously fine during his whole stay.