NEEDS OF SETTLERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 666, 18 May 1929, Page 4

NEEDS OF SETTLERS

THAMES DISTRICT VISITED MINISTER’S EXTENSIVE TOUR (From Our Own Correspondent) COROMANDEL, Today. Many deputations were received by the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, in the Thames electorate yesterday. The day’s activities began at Kerepeehi, where deputations were introduced by Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P. The Minister undertook *o look into the question of metalling 35 chains of the Kaikahu Road which runs through Crown property, and is the only outlet for a number of settlers. In reply to Mr. J. Thompson, who asked that 4,000 acres near the township be opened for settlement, the Minister. said he would be glad to do this provided the land was suitable. Mr. R. McMorrin, chief drainage engineer, referred to the necessity for increased protection against flooding, and Mr. Jamieson asked that The dual rating for lands and drainage boards be abolished. Another request was that the department instaJ a £ 20,000 electric pump on the soldiers’ settlement block. The Minister promised to give consideration to each request. At Turua Mr. C. Miller asked the Minister to declare tall fescue a noxious weed, and the Minister promised to investigate the question. In answer to Mr. McLaren, who stressed the importance of the Pa.eroaPokeno railway, Mr. Forbes said that there should be some guarantee that settlers would use railways built in their districts. Frequently advocates for railways used other means of transport. He undertook to convey the representations to the Minister of Railways. A Mr. W. Madgwick suggested that revenue from the petrol tax should e used to assist local bodies, who paia for extensive schemes prior to the formation of the Main Highways Board. Mr. Forbes said that the Transport Board was investigating the operation of the petrol tax. The party later continued on to Coromandel.