PARLIAMENTARY.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 207, 21 July 1893, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

OPANAKE STATION. Mr Houston asked the Minister for Public works If he will cause a small station and good-shed to be erected at Opanake, the terminus of the Kaihu Valley Railway ? He would point out to the Minister fer Public Works that at the terminus of this railway there was no goods-station and no passenger-station whatever ; and, with the weather they had in the North in winter time, it was a great hardship on passengers who had long distances to travel to have to wait there, as they frequently had for a considerable time, in order to catch the train. It was a very great hardship indeed that the settlers in this part of the country should be treated in “this exceptionable harsh way. The population in that part of the country was increasing rapidly, and he therefore thought some small provision should be made. A small station should at any rate bo erected, in order that the people who travelled up and down the line might have some shelter afforded them in leaving the train or in waiting for it. He hoped the Minister for Public Works would be able to give the matter his attention. He knew that the decision rested with the Railway Commissioners’ department, but be felt satisfied if the Minister would recommend it.

Mr Seddon said the railway in question was under the control of the Railway Commissioners. The question was referred to them, and. in reply, they said they were of opinion that there was not sufficient traffic there to warrant the erection of a station and goods-shed at Opanake, but they would make inquiries as to the necessity He would forward to the Commissioners the honourable gentleman's remarks, ,probably they would JJmake inquiries, and give the matter consideration.

NORTHERN WAIROA RIVER-STEAMER Mr Houston asked the Postmaster General, If he will increase the offer of a subsidy to a steamer cn the Northern Wairoa River, between Dargaville and T ‘tiroria ? He asked the Government in a previous sessien to offer a small subsidy for the running of a steamer between Dargaville and Tangitiroria, and a sum was placed on the estimates for the purpose, but the amount was so small that none of the companiesrurning steamers on the North Wairoa river would compete for it. One company that had been running a steamer on the river said they could take up the running if they were subsidised by the Government. He had a conversation some two months ago with the parties concerned and he was told that it would be impossible for them to continue the service. There was a very large extent of country benefited largely by the steamers running there. The state of the reads in the district was such that it was absolutely impossible te get from one part of the country to the other except by water,and if an adequate) subsidy were offered for a steamservice it would be an inducement for people to take up land there. It would, in fact, assist in opening up a large tract of country, sndjhe hoped, therefore, the Postmaster-General would see his way clear to offer some inducement to encourage trade. If a subsidy were paid for two or three years at the outside,he believed that at the end of that time they would be able te do without any further subsidy. Mr Ward said he informed the honourable member last year, in reply to this question, that tenders would be invited in due course with the view of seeing if a service could be sr-

ranged. In response to the advertisement,however, no tenders were sent in. He authorised the offering of a subsidy of £2O a year for a service, and that offer was declined by the Northern Steamship Company; they asked £75 a year. As he was informed, the service would only affect some twenty families, and the information furnished him also stated that there was a daily mail going through, so that it seemed to him that the service was not wanted. Of course, the honourable member was aware that there were many parts of the colony where mails were urgently required were subsidised to meet the public requirements, but where mails were already provided for he did not feel authorised in offering a subsidy when the number of people to be served was so small.

Mr Cadman will shortly address the electors of Auckland City. "Whatever the result of this bye-contest he does not intend to stand for Auckland at the general election. Mr James McGowan announces his intention of contesting the Thames seat against allcomers. No other candidate is yet announced. August 4th is the day appointed tor the election of a member for Auckland City vice Mr Rees, resigned ; the nominations are to be made on July 31st. By the Education Act Amendment Bill, every child going to a public school is compelled to attend at least 30 days each quarter, and it is rendered compulsory upon parents to send thair ohildren above 7 and not more than 13 years to school when living within a distance of two miles. Provision is made in the Bill fo.r compulsory attendance at native schools. Mr Guinness has been appointed Chairman of Committees in place of Mr Rees. KAIPARA PORT CHARGES. Mr Houston asked the Minister of Marina, If it be correct that vessels are charged 3d par tovx extra in entering the Kaipara Harbour ; and if so, why so ’ This question had been put ta him during a reoent visit to the Kaipara district, and he had been unable to give an answer. He said he was not aware of any extra charge for entering the port, but promised that he would make enquiriesand endeavour to find out reason for it. Mr Ward said that inquiries were being made in regard to the matter. The information was not yet to hand, but as soon as it oams he would inform the honourable member. OPANAKI TELEGRAPH. Mr Houston asked the Postmaster General, If he will establish a telegraph or telephone station at Opanake, the terminus of the Kaihu Valley Railway ? In asking this question he did it in the interests of humanity. The terminus of the railway wag cut off from everywhere else. There was a train from Dargaville to Opanake three times a week, and there was no means of reaching it except by train, and the roads were in such a state that it was impossible to get from Dargsvil toOpanake, and if any accident occurred there was no means of communicating with Dargaville, where a doctor resided. There was a danger of persons losing their lives in consequence, and in the interests of humanity he hoped the Minister would see his way to do something for the large number of settlers not only at Opanake, but the surrounding districts. Mr Ward said this was a line which should be constructed, and he would give instructions to have it carried out as soon as possible.

The Government have resolved to recommend the Hon. W. Montgomery for a seat in the Cabinet and Executive Council and to assist Sir Patrick Buckley in Council. Messrs Palmer, R. Thompson and Houston have again waited on the Premier about -o<?ds north of Auckland, urging metalling by Government of the main north road, also more money for other roads which are cut up by timber anil gum traffic They asked the Premier on this account and also because of bad treatment in the past that North Auckland should be treated exceptionally favourable in the future The Premier promised to lay the matter before th a Cabinet, and do all he could for them. Mr Marsden Thompson drew attention !o the need of extension a ' : ,

to Tokatoka. cue of cue oldest -en i ,1 n-;.m; a in the colony. The Postmaster-General saw the force of the argument, and said an extension should be made.