THE PREMIER IN PATEA.

Patea Mail, 24 January 1882, Page 3

THE PREMIER IN PATEA.

The Hon, J, Hall, Premier and Minister for Public Works, arrived in Patea from the south this forenoon, accompanied by his private secretary, Mr A. Smith.

The Premier was met on the way by Mr Coutts, chairman of the Harbor Board, who showed him over the ground where a road is desired to be made to harbor reserves on the flat along the railway.

The Premier took lunch at the residence of Mr 0. F. Barker, an old friend.

DEPUTATIONS.

The Premier afterwards received a deputation from the Patea District Farmers’ Club, on the question of eradicating scab in sheep. A lengthy and interesting conversation took place, which will be fully reported in the Daily Mail to-morrow. The result was that Mr Hall said the appointment of Mr Bailey as inspector for the whole colony will probably lead to better results; and that Mr Bailey intends to visit this d istrict in a few days, with a view of ascertaining what can be done to eradicate the disease.

A second deputation, headed by the Mayor, and comprising members of the Borough Council and a few townsmen, had an interview with the Premier also in the room of the Farmers’ Club.

The Mayor made a lengthy and interesting statement of the wants and capabilities of the district in respect of public works. As the interview closed only a short time before going to press, a full report is held over till to-morrow. The Mayor referred to the importance of completing the railway to Patea, and opening it for traffic in sections as finished; also opening the section to Manutahi to reduce the heavy cost of road maintenance. The further section to Hawera was mentioned as of.colonial importance. The opening of the back country was urged, and the short length of road that is needed to cross the Whenuakura river at Nicholson’s farm was shown on the map as being desirable to give easy access to a large area of Government land. Utilising the University reserve, making roads into the Opaku block, opening the Patea river, and the location of a township up the river near the junction of two main branches, were each urged with argumentative force.The claims of the local harbor were also urged’strongly. The Premier made many interesting remarks during the lengthy conversation, showing the opinion prevailing among Ministers as to the character of this district. He said orders are already given for removing the eel-weirs. He thought the river might at the same time be prospected to ascertain the character of the land adjacent to it. As to opening the back country, that was a matter for Mr Rolleston to deal with. The harbor lie. regarded as a success, and would be pleased to see the work extended, but as to funds, he thought the Government’s position was much like that of the Harbor Board—perhaps'worse. : Mr W. Cowern made art interesting suggestion as to a means of helping the Harbor Board without the form of a land endowment. ; After other remarks, the Premier expressed pleasure at visiting a district Which is the envy'of all who have seen

Ho had some conversation with Mr Holms, District Engineer, and proceeded this afternoon in a buggy to Hawera. He. intends going along the Coast road to Opunaki, perhaps to Parihaka, and on to New Plymouth foxsteamer to Auckland.