MINISTERIAL VISIT

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 11 March 1913, Page 5

MINISTERIAL VISIT

CONFERENCE OF LOCAL BODI ES A conference of delegates representing the various local bodies was held in the Council Chambers, Masterton, last evening, for the purpose of making preliminary arrangements to receive the Minister of Public ' Works (the Hon. W. Eraser) and probably the Prime Minister, on the occasion of the forthcoming visit to Masterton. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. M. Coradine) presided, and there were also present—Messrs G. R. Sykes, M.P., H. Morrison and D, McGregor (A. and P. Association), W. J. Weieh (Masterton County Council), C. E. Daniell and A. Henderson (Masterton Chamber of Commerce), and P. W. Temple (Borough Council). The Chairman, after explaining the object of the conference, asked the member for the district what arrangements had been made with the Minister regarding the proposed visit. Mr Sykes said he had an interview both with the Premier and the Hon. W. Eraser last week. The Premier would visit Masterton if he possibly cukl in company with Mr Eraser. Mr Eraser, he said, had informed him that his present arrangements would not permit of his fixing a definite date for his visit, but he thought it would probably be in the beginning of April. He would, however, give Mr Sykes two or three weeks' notice of his visit to the district. Mr C. E. Daniell said he was pleased to hear that the Minister won 1(1 visit Masterton, and lie hoped that they would be able to impress upon him the necessity for railway communication from the Wairarapa to Hawke's Bay, the" deviation of the Rimutaka line, and'the metalling of the main roads in the Boncar on district. These matters would be laid before the Minister, who would be

taken through the route of the proposed Masterton to Waipukurau railway, when the advantages to lie gained could ho pointed out to him. Mr Sykes stated that the Minister should be a«ked to provide a £ for £ subsidy up to £2OOO for the metalling of the road from Tiraumea to the Masterton boundary. He was this would be granted if properly put before the Minister.

Mr W. J. Welch said he quite agreed that a railway would be a boon to the community, and-also the necessity for deviating tlie Rimutaka line, but under present financial conditions their requests in that direction were not likely to he granted. He thought they should first strive to have the country well roaded. Mr H. Morrison .agreed that railway lines were necessary for the full development of the district. He would also like to see the Minister approached on the question of making a, geological survey of the Wairarapa, for the purpose of obtaining expert advice on the question of oil production. The opinion was held by experienced men that there were valu-able-oil wells in the district, and if properly developed would bring con-, siderable wealth to the Wairarapa. Mr McGregor endorsed the remarks lof the previous speakers, and eitiI phasised the importance of deviating

the Rimutaka lines from a farmer'point of View. Thousands of head of fat stock left the Wairarapa every season, and much time and expense eould bo saved if the animals could be taken to Wellington without being damaged en route. At present no one liked sending their stock to Wellington by train. He also urged the importance of having good roads, as an outlet to those in the back country. Mr Henderson considered the Masterton to Waipukurau line to n e. a proposition of the utmost importance, and one which he was sure would be i taken up by every settler in the district to be traversed. The importance of the project could, not be too strongly impressed upon the Miniver.. He also thought the Prime Minister should be invited to deliver a policy speech in Masterton during the forthcoming visit. Mr Sykes was of the opinion thai the visit should be kept free from party politics, and it was finally decided to write to Mr Massey informing him that a hearty welcome would be extended to him if he decided to visit Masterton with Mr Eraser. It was decided that an invitation be extended to aIT members of Parliament from Napier to Wellington, and to the Mayor of Wellington and the chairmen of the Wellington Clinnihor of Commerce and Harbour Board. It wajs resolved that a further meeting be called as soon as the date of the Ministerial visit is announced, when final arrangements to receive and entertain tho visitors will be made.