THE HON. J. G. COATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 January 1921, Page 4

THE HON. J. G. COATES.

VISIT TO NEW PLYMOUTH. TRIP TO MOKAU PROBABLE. A visit to New Plymouth will be made this week by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. J. G. Coates, who will arrive from Wellington by the mail train to-morrow night. Yesterday the Minister wired to the General Manager (Mr. F. T. Bellringer) as follows: “Will be arriving New Plymouth on Friday evening from Wellington, and will be in New Plymouth on (Saturday. Will be pleased to discuss any matters which you may wish to bripg up.” In communicating with the member for Taranaki (Mr. S. G. Smith) in connection with the visit, the Minister expressed regret that time will only permit of one day being spent in New Plymouth. He has also informed the member for Waitomo (Mr. W. T. Jennings) that he has allotted two days for business of the Waitomo electorate.

It is not definitely known yet whether Air Coates intends going through the Mokau district. Arrangements were recently made with the Minister to tour the district, with a view to inspecting public works undertakings there, and also deciding on the bridge site at Mokau. The itinerary originally drawn up, however, was for a trip from South Kawhia on to Awakino, and latest information indicates a change of plans.

A Press message from Wellington says Mr. Coates, who leaves Wellington to-morrow for New Plymouth, is due at Auckland on the 11th inst for a conference in regard to the formation of an electric power board Tot the city. In the last week in January the Minister leaves on a lengthy tour of the South Island. Starting in Marlborough he will inspect the public works roads and bridges under construction, and also the hydro-electric and irrigation schemes in Central Otago.