PUBLIC WORKS

Southland Times, Issue 18830, 25 May 1920, Page 4

PUBLIC WORKS

MINISTER AT BLENHEIM. NEW METHODS NEEDED. (Per United Press Association.) BLENHEIM, May 24. The Hon. J. G. Coates arrived at Blenheim to-night and .was met by the Mayor and Councillors. He received deputations in regard to a hydro-electric scheme, a continuous telephone service for Blenheim, the load from Blenheim to the West Coast, and the completion of the South Island trunk railway. Mr Contes, in reply, said the time had come to face problems. They had to face them in a business-like way. One of the difficulties was the question of labour, which he was sure would be overcome, but a greater difficulty was the question of material. Again, the methods of the past ■were out of date. Things would have to be tackled in a new order and a new way to-day. It was not wise to use a man where they could use machinery. It wa a necessary to gel money, though that was not his job. It was necessary to get equipment and material, and large orders had already been given, so that when a work was gone into they would have the stuff to do it with. His intention was to impress on the Government that important work should be done, and endeavour to cany out the plans in the best and most economical way. On the question of hydro-electric power, an engineer would come into the district in September. In regard to the West Coast road, he said he would have a report made by his engineer’s. He would also get a report in regard to a continuous telephonic service. He would not make promises about the South Island trunk line. It was very desirable that they should have it completed. In accordance with the importance of the works they would be placed on the list which he would place before the Cabinet, and they would be judged on their merits. What they aimed at waa opening up country to settlers, which was the most important thing to consider. The South Island main trunk would have his most careful consideration. He emphasised that the Public Works Department wanted to be in touch with the various local bodies of the country. It wanted to have their confidence, and they to have the Department's confidence. He had a scheme to settle the vexed question of main roads. There were different conditions in different districts. If they were going to encourage production they would have to give transport facilities, and his scheme had in view the bringing about of a better understanding in regard to these matters with the various local bodies.