DEPUTATIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 73, 3 April 1913, Page 5

DEPUTATIONS.

MINISTERS AT STRATFORD

SERIES OF REQUESTS. The Premier (Hon. W. I- Masseyi and the Minister for Public Works (Hon. W. Fraser), accompanied by IL’-.srs. C. E. Wilkinson and G. V, Pearce, M.P.’s., arrived in Stratford at five o’clock yesterday afternoon by motor from Eltham. They were received by Mr J. B. Hine, M.P., and by His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. P. Kirkwood), and conducted to the Borough Council Chambers, where, for two solid hours, tho ministers were besieged with deputations. Mr J. B. Hine, M.P., extended a hearty welcome to their visitors on the occasion of their first visit to the Province as Ministers of the Crown. THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY. Mr Hine then introduced His Worship the Mayor, who prefaced his remarks by trusting that the Ministers would have a pleasant time in the district. He only regretted that their stay in Stratford should be so short. The subject he wished to bring under the attention of the Ministers was the Opunake Railway, but before proceeding, he would like an assurance from tho Minister that tho Te Roti or other route had not been definitely fixed upon by Cabinet. They wished to know if the Government intended to act upon the report of the Commission.

In reply to this question, the Premier said that nothing had been proposed so far as the Opunake Railway was concerned, and nothing had been definitely fixed. The Commissioners inspected different routes and had given in their report. It woiild be for the Government to confer with their engineers, 'and decide which route should be chosen. Mr Kirkwood then continued that he represented the Whangamomona County Council, Stratford County Council, Borough Council, Chamber of Commerce, and Kaponga Town Board. What they wished to urge upon the Ministers was that the route recommended by the Commission connecting Stratford with Kaponga should be started simultaneously with the Te Roti route. They contended that as far as the Stratford route was concerned, it was quite the equal, and more than the equal, of the other routes in the manner in which it would serve the country through which it passes., In connection with the report of the Commission they desired to point out that although the Commission recommended that the Stratford line should be started, they were not iin favor of doing this until other parts 'of'.the lino had been constructed. In the report of the Commission there were several gross errors in the report, which reads: “The advisability of the extension from Kaponga to Stratford will be more apparent later when the line now in progress from the Stratford to the Main Trunk Railway is further advanced.” They, in Stratford, contended that this was an indication that the Commission fully realised the great importance of Stratford, but as the report was written they apparently failed to recognise" that the importance of the evidence they considered at that time. They were not asking that anything should be done outside the report of that Commission, only that the line should be started simultaneously from Stratford as from Te Roti. Mr Kirkwood said that this matter would be further dealt with by other members of the deputation, and in the meanwhile he wished to bring under the Ministers’ notice that it was in the interests of the whole of the people in Taranaki that the line connecting Stratford with the Main Trunk should be pushed on as rapidly as possible.

Mr R. Dingle, in advocating the claims of the route from Stratford to Kaponga, and -thence by way of Kapuni to Manaia, said as one of the oldest settlers in Taranaki, and one knowing the district thoroughly he he wag impressed with the fact that this proposed route from Stratford would serve the district better than would any of the other lines recommended by the Commission. In this connection Mr Dingle emphasised the importance of the New Plymouth harbor, and said that it would not be very long before ocean-going boats would call there. At present our produce was equally divided between the ports of Patea and New Plymouth. He was quite prepared to say that the former port was not a satisfactory one. If the whole of the produce, went to New Plymouth, we would have the Home boats calling at Moturoa, and taking our produce direct to the London markets. He took it that the Ministers would personally inspect the routes recommended, and if tips was so, he thought the Ministers would decide that the proposed route from Stratford to Kaponga was the right and proper one. Mr J. B. Richards, on behalf of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, expressed their pleasure at the PrimeMinister and his colleague being there with them that day. Before touching directly on this matter of the railway, he wished to point out that Stratford was a young community, and a poor community in point of individual wealth. fie took it that the report which had been furnished to the Government by the Commissioners would carry very great weight with the Government in deciding the question of the railway route. Regarding the recommendations as a whole, it was recommended that a railway should be constructed right round the mountain, touching Opunake, and* joining the main lino at

To Roti, with a branch lino from Stratford to Manaia. Without hesitation ho would say that this route of railway as recommended by the Commission would serve the whole of the district fully—very fully. He was in fact inclined to think that tho interests of the district were more than fully considered. Hut lie did say this, and that was that the Commission had made it clear that the Port of Xew Plymouth would bo the port for tho whole of Taranaki, j At tho present time, they were perfectly aware that the dairy produce of Taranaki was equally divided between Xew Plymouth and Patea. 'i be Commissioners had mentioned in their report that “several of the witnesses! had expressed the opinion, which was shared by your Commissioners, that when the ocean liners visited Xew Plymouth, the exports of tho Taranaki district would concenitrate at Xew Plymouth.” Seeing that this was so, he failed to understand why the route entailing the least amount of haulage by rail had not been regarded as the most important. Mr Richards went into the position very closely, showing that while the route junctioning at Stratford entailed a straight run to New Plymauth, the Te Roti lino was a circuitous route and the grades to be met with were very severe, especially that part in the vicinity of Xgaero. Anorner matter touched upon by Mr Richards was tho fact that tho .Lowgarth factory, with an output of 350 tons of cheese had been omitted from the map, though it had been mentioned five distinctive times iu the course of the evidence submitted in favour of the Stratford, route. A creamery had also been omitted 01 tho Stratford route. Mr Richards also submitted facts to sir w that as this was the greater producing district it required the services ofq a railway first, and should not have to wait until other districts, with lesser products, were served byrailway communication, and he backed up his statement with figures. Another point was that the Commission had not mentioned a word with regard to what he considered must bo a very important factor in favour of tho Stratford route, and that was that Stratford was already a junction, the line communicating with the Main Trunk Railway having been started 'from here. Referring to the Stratford-Te Koura line, Mr Richards said ho did not think they could seriously complain at the rate of progress of the works, and all they asked was that the work should be kept well in hand. Councillor Smith, of tho Stratford County Council, also addressed the Ministers. PREMIER IX REPLY. In reply, the Premier thanked the deputations for the very hearty welcome extended to himself and to his colleague. Their visit to Taranaki was not altogether for pleasure, but he hoped that while it would be pleasant to him, he hoped that it would | bo equally profitable to the dominion as a whole, owing to the information which they hoped to gain. With regard to the Opunake Railway, he was not going to enter iinto the question as to which was the better route. The report of the Commission must have great power with whatever Government might be in power, but his Government was not in any way committed to the route they recommended. They felt the responsibility of the position, and recognised that-the line would absorb a very largo sum of public money, which the people of all parts of New Zealand would have to provide. As fas as the Government was concerned, ho wished to be perfectly candid. While it was quite right that the deputation should come before him and advocate' any particular route, they had to look at the question, not from Stratford’s point of view, not from Eltham’s point of view, or from the point oi view of any other town, but from the point of view of the country as a whole. (Applause.) They expected to decide very soon on tho line which they considered was best suited to the requirements of the district, and tho line they chose would not bo in the best interests of any particular centre, but in the interests of the whole of the people of Xpw Zealand. (Applause.) Mr Massey also referred to the Stratford-Te Koura Railway, and said that the whole of the money voted by Parliament had been expended, so that there was little to complain of in that respect. They recognisedd the i importance of tho line, and the work would be pushed on as the financial position i of tho Government permitted. They were doing their best, and could do no more. (Applause.) Tho Hon. Mr Fraser, who also replied, said that they could hardly expect from him a pronouncement as to which route he favoured. That would be a highly improper thing, and he was not going to do it. - s yet, however, he had come to no decision, and Cabinet had come to no decision. They were here in conformity with a promise made, and Mr Massey and himself were having a good look at tho country to be served by that railway. With regard to this Opunake line, ho quite believed it would pay—in fact it could not help paying, going through such country. It was not so much tho matter now of deciding routes as oi acquiring information. It was very difficult to «ay when the finances would permit of the line being built in face of tho financial condition at Home. Xew Zealand was prosperous enough, but in order to carry on the public works it was necessary for the dominion to borrow year by year, and it was not an easy matter just now to induce the money-lenders to make the necessary advances. He sincerely hoped that with the conclusion of tho Balkan war money

would bd easier—perhaps m six oi eight months’ time. lie hoped no one was under the impression that the three million loan floated by Mr Allen would mean an abundance of money. Every shilling of that was pledged, and whatever the Government might want for roads, bridges, or other public works, excepting thatfound on tho estimates, would have to bo provided later on. Xo one would be, more pleased than tho speaker if the Government could put a good round sum on the estimates next year to start this line, and he would bo exceedingly pleased to be able to turn tho first sod. They had the entire sympathy of tho Government in this matter, amt tne Government would do its utmost to got the line Started a- soon as they could possibly u.i so. Mr Fraser went on to explain tho position with regard to the Stratford-Te Koura Railway, and stated that the work had to bo kept within the vote authorised by Parliament. Ho was not in a position to give the exact amount expended on the line during the last financial year, but ho thought that when tho figures were available, it would bo seen that the whole of the j £90,000 placed on the estimates would have been expended. Future votes 1 would depend solely upon the finan- j eial situation. In conclusion, Mr Fraser said he was very pleased toj see such an active interest taken in j these railway matters. It would indeed be a very bad thing for the country if such interest were not taken. (Applause.) THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Councillor Hathaway, Chairman ol the Stratford County Council, brought up various matters which required the attention of the Minister. He first referred to the very great quantity of metal required for the roads, and the excessive cost of that- metal unless the Mountain quarries were to supply the Council with something like 4000 cubic yards. Touching on immigration, he said that the county had great difficulty in getting suitable men for roadwork, and contractors were reluctant to tender for work because the labour problem was such a real difficulty. With regard to loans, he would suggest that the .Department should simplify the working by arranging for all interest to fall due on the Ist of February and Ist August annually. What they greatly required was an assured finance for entirely now work, as far as metalling and earthwork were concerned; bridge loans to remain as at present; but renewals of bridges over 30 feet to be classed as new work. Referring tc motor cars, Mr Hathaway asked that the Government should subsidise local bodies according to the mileage < 1 metalled roads under their jurisdiction, the revenue for this purpose to be derived from a tax on' motor cars. With regard to hospital and charitable aid board debts and representation, he asked that the latter be as formerly, or boards to collect and levy their own rates. He pointed out that Hie Hospital Board had £2500 bad debts outstanding in six years, most of which had been incurred by railway workers, and he thought the Board should receive some assistance in this respect. Noxious weeds was then touched upon by the speaker, who said that he considered it would he u good plan for local bodies to appoint their own inspectors, to be under Hie Government inspector, the men to be employed when necessary, and the Government to pay the local bevies £ for £ towards the expense. He asked also that the Government should reduce the freight-and-a-half charge on Australian hardwood, and charge ordinary rates. Mr Hathaway also mentioned that railway drains were damaging the pioperty of settlers “out East,” and asked that the railway drains should be cleaned annually, in conclusion, the speaker dwelt on the position of the Manga Road, and said that when the Council spent £BSO lor the Government in dray road formation, it was not aware that the road would be declared a county road. They were not in a position to clear tne slips. Work had been commenced two years since, and the road had been of no use to the Council, a.- the Government had not yet completed the deviation.

Coupcillors Ghristoffel, Young, and Smith also dealt with the questions put forward by the Chairman of the County Council. THE MINISTER’S REPLY.

The Premier said he was very sure that the majority of those tilings which Mr Hathaway asked could not be done without special legislation. Something would certainly have to he done and a Local Government Bill was now before Cabinet. As to an assured finance, that was exactly what everybody wanted. (Laughter.) At the same time, nothing would please him better than to see an assured finance fo'- local bodies .m l tiiev should cer tainly have something more satisfactory than they had at present. U.th regard to the falling due of loans, Mr Massey said it could be arranged Hat interest on loans should fall due, say, at the end of the month, but the suggestion of the speaker that all interest should fall duo on February Ist and August Ist annually was q/uite impracticable, as it would upset the working ,f the Department. The question of imigration was a very important one, and the country would have to arrange for a supply of men to take the place of those workers who went on the land. In this connection, ho would say that lie had made arrangements with the High Commissioner to secure suitable emigrants. Mr Massey went on to refen to the wave of prosperity that had come to the country along with the arrival of the present Government. During the first eleven months of the last financial year, the arrivals in New Zealand had exceeded the departures by 11,000 people. He sincerely trusted that this prosperity

would continue. So far as noxious weeds were concerned, he realised that

here was a very serious problem, and he was pleased to be able to say that as regards blackberries at least these were not so plentiful as in former years, the spread having to a large extent been checked. He regretted that the same could not he said of the Californian thistle. if they could help the farmers Ids Government would do so.. The trouble lay not in allowing the weeds to grow, but in permitting them to seed. The best scheme possible would have to bethought out —a scheme that would not impose too great a hardship on the settlers, but would yet check this growing menace. In the matter of Australian hardwood, that would he a question for tho new railway expert, He> was not in a position to announce yet the choice of Cabinet, blit he believed they had got a particularly good man for the purpose, and it would he that man’s duty to go into matters such as these. Mr Massey continued that with regard to motor cars, he looked upon them as a necessity to enable people to get about the country, hut admitted that they were responsible for more damage than even heavy traffic. Ho did not think motorists would object to . a tax so long as the revenue derived from that source was expended on the roads. (Applause.) WHANGAMOMONA.

Whangamomona was well represented with deputations. The County Council, whose spokesman was the chairman (Councillor Meredith), was the first to get a hearing. The matters brought under the notice of the Minister were (l)Brewer road on which the Council was £l9B short in back work, there being a loan of £3BOO and subsidy on the road, and the deputation wished to obtain a grant to be put on the forthcoming estimates ti he expended in • metalling the road, and so balance the loan and Govern ment expenditure. (2) Upper Mangaehu £2500 loan for formation. It was- explained that liability for the expenditure of the whole amount had been entered into, and the work was in progress. About £IOOO worth of subsidy had so far been received and spent. The settlers required a furthei expenditure of about £6OO to enable them to- complete a dry road to giv< access to more remote sections. The deputation was in fact applying foi a £6OO subsidy of the work now in progress. (3) Ohura Road, Central Riding. The deputation pointed out that the road had been destroyed by the Public Works Department with their heavy traffic, and they wanted the metal reinstated. The Government offered £3OOO for £2OOO, but £SOOO was not enough to do all the work, and the Council considered the proportion inequitable, and suggested instead £4OOO for £2OOO. Further expenditure was also required for the formation of the Okara Road.

Mr Court asked that Whan game rnona township should be granted r

loan of £IOOO. They had asked for this loan but had been refused. The sum asked for would be sufficient tc give the township a high-pressure water supply. MINISTER FOR PUBLIC. WORKS. In reply, Mr Fraser said that applications for loans did not come before him, though ho had a seat or the Board which looked into these loans. He advised the deputation t forward another application throng] him, and the matter would possible receive further consideration. M. Fraser stated emphatically that bethought that where the Department had damaged a road, that road shouh 1)0 repaired at the Department’s cost and adequate compensation given. H> would ask for a report on this mat ter, and would look into the othei questions submitted to him. OTHER DEPUTATIO XS.

Other deputations which waited or the Ministers were also dealt with though time prevented a length' statement of tho position. The Stratford A. and P. Association asked fo a grant of, say, a thousand acres ol the Omona Forest Reserve, which was shortly to bo opened up for settle ment, hut the Premier replied that i ho granted such a request he would be overwhelmed by similar requests from all parts of the Dominion.

The Mayor referred to tho Stratford Post Office, and asked for tho removal of tho “Noah’s Ark” and th< substitution of a building adequate foi Stratford’s requirements.—-The Hon Mr Fraser promised to have a look at tho building in question. Tho Stratford Chamber of Commerce brought up the question of the Kotarc Road, which is to give the settlers of Kotare connection with the East Road and the Minister promised to look into this matter.

Mr J. B. pointed out that there was a block of land in tho vicinity of tho Kotare Road which had been reserved for timber purposes, and was lying idle. Ho continued that the land was valuable for agricultural purposes, and that good mono\ was therefore lying idle. Air Massey remarked that the Forestry Commission would probably maclo it their duty to inspect the land mentioned. Another important matter was the establishment of a model dairy farm in Taranaki, and preferably at Stratford. Tliis proposal has already been fully dealt with in our columns, when a conference was hold locally sometime ago to go into tho question. A farm of 100 acres was suggested, Unfa rm to bo worked under mode] conditions. Mr Massey expressed his sympathy with the proposal, but stated that lie expected to go more fully into such matters when the conference of agricultural societies met in Wellington in July next.