DEPUTATION TO UNDER SECRETARY OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 100, 2 May 1885, Page 2

DEPUTATION TO UNDER SECRETARY OF PUBLIC WORKS.

0 Y. O'Connor, Esq , Under- Secretary Public Works, now on a visit to Te Aroha, having kindly consented to meet a deputation of Arol)a residents, who desired to bring certain matters under the notice of the Public Works Department. About thirty assembled at Warrens Hotel for that purpose on last Thursday evening. Mr George Wilson briefly introduced the deputation to Mr O'Connor. Mr Jas. Mills was called upon to state the business for which they were met. Mr Mills on behalf of the deputation, said : Some ten months h»«l been allowed the contractor to complete the railway from Morrinsville ; this was thiy considered an unconscionable amount of time, .and far in excess of what was really necessary. He then refei red to the difficulty sometimes experienced when the river was flooded, in getting passengers across by punt or small boat. They would like Mr O*t3onnor to bring before the Misister for Public Works the desirability of huving the bridge opened for traffic, an 1 a tem-f pontry approach made from the coach road ; tuia tiiey thought could be done for about £80. Wne« the contractor comnitMU-ed work, the government might induce %im to start this end Hrst. They - were justified in anticipating a far greater number or visitors iri the future, and the easy accessibility of T<* Aroha, the wonderful hot .springs, and cheapness of living, would be sure to induce, a great m my to comd in winter as, well us.duumier. It woule

bo |to tile interests of Government to liHve the line opened earlier, * v an« I so secure the large traffic that would 111 most certaiuly exist, more especially during the summer season. Mr Geo. Wilson said : Over 1000 stntfigprs had visited Te Aroha since the, Ist of January, 18P5, and dn"ring ' that' time an income of about £10 per week had been; derived from the baths. On an average from 50 to 60 persons made use of the baths daily. Mr Wilson also brought under notice the necessity that existed for the formation of a bridle-track to the summit of Te Aroha mountain, which at its termination should merge into the existing track from thence to Waiorongomai. Visitors especially desired to be able to ascend *4»o mountain, the prospect from which was truly magnificent, and it would greatly add to tha attraction!* of the place, to have such a track formed. r In reply to the deputation, Mr O'Connor said : Although he was jTot receiving the deputation in an official capacity, sjill he shoul 1 be pleased to assist as far as possi We upbringing the matters spoken of under the notice of the Government on his return to Wellington. He estimated the cost of forming a temporary approach to the bridge at from £60 to' £70. Referring to the hot springs, Mr O'Connor said it was only ab< ut a month ago, whist on a visit to Auckland, he became aware that hot springs existed at Te Aroha. It was a great pity they were not more fully and systematically advertised, as he had not the slightest doubt in bis own mind that the place would largely and rapidly develope, and become a res»rt for visitors from' all parts, and he would be happy to lorward its interest in any vray that he could. The deputation having thanked Mr' O'Connor for his kindness, withdrew.