PUBLIC WORKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 May 1920, Page 5

PUBLIC WORKS.

THE LABOR SHORTAGE. VALUE OF MACHINERY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Blenheim, Last Night. The Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister of Public Works) arrived at Blenheim tonight and received deputations on local matters, and the completion of the South Island trunk railway was urged. Mr. Coates, in reply, said one of the difficulties was the question of labor, which he was sure would be overcome. A great difficulty was the question of material. The methods of the past were out of date and things would have to be tackled in a new order and a new way.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. For all works asked for it was impossible to get the necessary equipment and material. Large orders had already been given, so that when a work was gone into they would have stuff to do the work with. His intention was to impress on the Governmtent that important work should be done, and endeavour to carry out the work in the best and most economical way. The Minister would not make promises about the South Island trunk line, but he said it was very desirable to have it completed. What they aimed at was the opening up of nountry to settlers, which was the most im- ! portant thing to consider.