BACK COUNTRY WANTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 January 1921, Page 4

BACK COUNTRY WANTS.

MINISTER'S TRIP TO MOKAU. BRIDGING OF THE RIVER. NECESSITY RECOGNISED. (By Our Special Reporter., Awakino, Last Night. The Minister of Public Works (Hon. J. G. Coatee) spent, to-day in the Waitomo electorate. The party left New Plymouth by motor car at an early hour, the Minister being accompanied by Mr. W. T. Jennings, M.P., and the district engineer (Mr. T M Ball). At Waitara the question of improved post office accommodation was brought under the notice of Mr. Coates in his capacity of Postmaster-General. Mr. Jennings and the Mayor (Mr. Morgan) both spoke in regard to the inadequate nature of the building. Mr Coates remarked that the site did not appear at all suitable. After inquiring for particulars the Minister said he would ask for a full report. At Urenui an explanation was made to the Minister regarding the Parininihi tunnel, which was the subject of a deputies at New Plymouth on Saturday. Journeying on to Uruti the party inspected the Okau quarry works, which are being conducted by the Public Works Department in connection with the metalling of Mt. Messenger. The capacity of the plant is about 80 yards per day. Journeying on over Mt. Messenger, the Minister gained first-hand insight into the progress of the work. .TELEPHONES FOR SETTLERS. During the stay at Uruti the Minister was questioned regarding the possibility of the erection of party telephone lines for settlers at Ngatimiro on the Moki Road. Mr. Jennings informed the Minister that there was an increasing number of settlers in the district and the need for further telephonic facilities was being felt. Mr. Coates’ reply was that if the settlers cared to do the work themselves and could find thajr own wire and posts the Department would endeavor to provide insulators and telephones as far as possible. This was the best way of meeting the trouble. He pointed out that the demand by new subscribers wae very great throughout the whole of the Dominion. The linking up of the Okau district with Ohura township, via the Tonga-porutu-Mangoira Pioad, was discussed with the Minister at Ahititi. Mr. A. Scott .was the delegate on behalf of the Settlers' Association. It was stated that the road is ready at either end, but a stretch of five or six miles in the centre needed attentidn. Mr. Coates promised to consider the matter when the Aext estimates are under review. On raching Mokau the Minister was met by Messrs. S. Whiteside and J. McDonald (of the Mokau Harbor Board), in company with whom the journey up the river was made by launch Other members of the party included Mr. R. H. Pigott (chairman of the Clifton County Council). At Mangoira settlement Messrs. Sage and son and A. Mouatt brought up the question of making a stock track across from the mill block to connect with the Awakino Valley Road. It was stated that a sum of £5OO had been placed on the estimates for the work. The Minister said he would get a report, and he assured the deputation that if the proposal was approved the Department would use every possible endeavor to get it done, and if the settlers could assist finding labor it would greatly aid the speeding up of the work. He was prepared to give them over £5OO if necessary. BRIDGING THE MOKAU. On behalf of soldiers settled on the southern side of the river, Mr. McEwen sought the Minister’s aid for the • construction of a r.tock route. He pointed out that the settlers on this side were practically isolated as regards getting in stock. ‘ There were 35,000 acres of land there, of which a great deal was excellent dairying country, and was sure to be settled if facilities were given. The Minister is to obtain a report on the matter. At the conclusion of the river trip, AH Coates thanked all for the hospitality extended to the party, and Mr. Jennings expressed appreciation of the efforts of the Mokau Harbor Board members in arranging the trip. The party proceeded to Awakino and several deputations were introduced by Mr. Jennings, being mainly from settlers concerning roatjls affecting individual properties. Mr. Coates was asked his opinion concerning the ques--tion of a bridge over the Mokau river to replace the ferry. The Minister replied that from what he had seen he believed that a bridge was essential for the district, but he could not say whether he could get sufficient. money to have the bridge erected in twelve months. He was satisfied, however, that the district justified the expenditure on a bridge. He pointed out that the road from Te Kuiti to New Plymouth would be included in the routes affected by the Main Roads Bill, which would be introduced next I?ession, and the 'construction of a good highway would carry wit 3 i it the erection of a bridge over the okau river. The party are - laying at Awakino tonight, and will journey to-morrow as far as Aria, thence proceeding to To Kuiti, where the Minister joihs tKe train ff>r Auckland.