THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 903, 25 February 1908, Page 5

THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

WEST COAST POSSIBILITIES,

HOKITIKA, February 24.

The Minister of Lands concluded his visit to Westland this morning, having returned' from South Westland last night. In the course of an interview the Minister stated that his expectations of the possibilities of the district were considerably exceeded, his visit having proved that the resources of the district were very satisfactory. There was every prospect that as railway communication is bettered the district will prove highly successful for agricultural purposes. The erection of a bridge over the Big Wanganui River, he considered the most urgent work at the present time. Until it is completed any dairying industry on the large Wanganui flat cannot succeed without proper bridging of the rivers. This settlement should prove a highly successful one. The proposal for an experimental station in Westland would be very favourably considered. The district should prove a very substantial feeder to the railway when through communication with Canterbury was made. The pastures in the various settlements were found in splendid condition, in marked contrast to the area in the North Island, recently inspected by the Minister. With railway communication completed and low values of land in comparison with other parts of the dominion, the Minister asserts that a large number of settlers will pour into the district, its future as an agricultural centre being assured. The Minister expressed the opinion that to secure a wide range of railway feeders for the East-West Coast railway it would be necessary to extend the railway below Ross, connecting up .the large agricultural centres and splendid timber lands I available there.

The Minister left Greymouth this morning. The weather has been gloriously fine during the whole of his stay.