THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

Inangahua Times, Volume II, Issue II, 15 August 1881, Page 2

THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

(FeiM Westport Time .) WfLLiNGTc N, AttfiUSt 10. The Public Works Statement was de livered last night. Contrary to the usual custom it will not be telegraphed to colonial j mrnals at Government cost. The principle items referring to West Coast are these :— lt is proposed to place money on the estimates for road from Nelson by Hope and Buller Valleys, to Weslporl and Greymoulh, to Marua Valley, Grey Valley, to TeramakaU; Cobden to Seventeen-mile diggings ; also vote for^xperimental works at Westport in way of directing land floods which are the worst features of the port. A diversion is to be made in the Argyle Water Race near its bead, and substitute a tunnel for open race and fluming ; also to bridge the following rivers on the Nelson road — Over Matiri, Watahu, Little Grey ; aud and some lesser improvements, but only part of the work will be completed during the present financial year. Road will be made through Cone Creek and Crown lands near Point Elizabeth, giving access to the Seven teen*inile Beach, also track from Hampden to Walker's Station Maruia, openiug up a large extent of Crown lands. A grant will be asked for addit:onal rolling stock for the Ngakawau railway and for land and some improvements. In Westland various road works will be done, but nothing except of immediate necessity. 1.30 p.m. The following is a synopsis of the Public Works Statement :— Railways— lo6 additional miles have been made during the year. Total cost of maintenance and traffic has been re* duced from £580,000 in 1879 to £222,000. 22£ per cent of total expenditure has been for renewals, and repairs of rolling stock, i permanent way, bridges and buildings. It is calculated that timber will last thirty years. Eoads — Much progress has been made, but few new works have arrived at completion. It is proposed in Public Works Estimates, which will be shortly laid on the table, to indicate, in detail proposed new works to be undertaken by Public Works Department and by Crown Lands Department, in addition to works by counties. Wellington, August 9. The Wellington Racing Club have decided on a programme for the Spring meeting, 1 St. Andrew' 9 Day. The principal events are— Handicap of 150 soy. another 65, and another 60. August 10. The census of Maori population is 44,099. The census of three years ago gave 502 less. August 11. Serious differences of opinion between the acting Minister for Public Works and Maxwell, General Manager, have occur* red, and a statement is current that the latter has resigned, August 13. J. P. Maxwell, General Manager New Zealand Railways, has intimated to the Government his desire to retire from bis appointment at an early date, as he pur« poses proceeding to England. Chbistchubch, August 13. Up to the present time £42.500 has been expended on the Cathedral. Fifteen thousand pounds more is required to complete it.