VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 415, 9 April 1879, Page 2

VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

The Hon Mr Macandrew, accompanied by Mr Blackett, arrived in Carlyle yesterday, about 12 o’clock. A deputation from the Patea County Council, consisting of Messrs McGuire, King, Sherwood, Dale, and Winchcomb, waited on the hon gentleman, when the following questions were brought up : Stoney River to Waitotara Vote— The deputation stated that £3,000, had been voted during the last two sessions, and no money had been received as yet. Mr Macandrew said £1,500 would be handed over at once, under the same condition as regards mode of expenditure on Mountain Road. He would eventually decide if any further sums could be paid out of that vote. Mountain Road—Mr Sheehan having promised that, in addition to the amount voted by the House, he would hand over a certain sum from his department, the deputation wished to know if it was available. Mr Macandrew said he would telegraph to the Native Minister about the matter. Momahaki Sale The deputation stated that a large amount of Manawatn scrip had been used for the purchase of

land in this Block, and according to law the County was not entitled to its 20 per cent, where scrip was used for payment. They "wished to know what was to be done. Mr Macandrew could not give any assistance. Railways—Mr Macandrew said the Government hoped to be able to call for tenders in about six weeks, for another section from Waitotara to Waverley; and also from Stratford towards Nor raanby. Waimate Plains urged that it would be to the advantage of Government to employ a large number of men in road works on the Plains, as a means of helping to settle the present difficulty. Mr Macandrew could give no promise, as it was out of his department. The deputation then withdrew. A deputation of townspeople also waited an the hon. gentleman, with the following result: Branch Line of Railway—Mr Macandrew acknowledged that it would be to the advantage of Government to start the branch lino at once, as the necessary materials for the main lino tonkl be landed at Carlyle, and forwarded on at less expense. Legislation, however, was necessary before anything could be done. Immigrants—The deputation said the district was badly in want of immigrants, and suggested that 200 bo forwarded. Mr Macandrew would send a telegram to Wellington that they be sent on. New Post Office and Gaol —The matter would receive attention. The deputation withdrew, and tht Hon Mr Macandrew and Mr Blackeet left lor Hawera about 2 o’clock.