MT. ROSKILL MATTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1902, Page 3

MT. ROSKILL MATTERS.

After bidding farewell to the deputation, Sir Joseph was escorted by Mr Bollard to another carriage, which was in waiting with Mr W. Bagley (Chairman of the Mt. Hoskill Road

Board). Upon being introduced, Mr Bagley asked Sir Joseph to drive with him to see a deputation that was waiting at Mt. Eoskill. The Minister consented, and was accordingly driven several miles, until the fine new residence of Mr D. Arkell Avas reached on the bluii' overlooking the Manukau Harbour, near Wesley Bay. Mr Arkell welcomed the visitors, and Sir Joseph was introduced to Messrs T. Buttle, S. Hesketh, Conway and Herd, the two latter gentlemen being members of the lioad Board. Mr Arkell pointed out that a road was needed down a point on the Wesleyun Church propeny, so that a w;harf could be erected where there was deep water, and then residents would not need to cart heavy goods all the way fiom Auckland.

Sir Jcseph Ward said as far as the road was concerned, that was a matter that must be arranged) with the trustees of the land. He was quite sure n& one would object to a work that was certain to increase the value of the property.

Mr Buttle said he had not the slightest doubt but that the trustees would agree to have the road made.

Mr Bagley then introduced the subject in which the deputation was interested, lie pointed out that a road marked in the plan ran for about 2J miles along the front, of Government reserves, from which the Board derived no income to aid in making the road. As there was an area of 336 acres called an endowment for a Manukau Harbour Board, and as such a body did not exist, lie thought perhaps the Government would hand it over to the. Road Board ; :s an endowment for a recreation reserve, then they might perhaps get some income from it to keep the road.

Sir Joseph said that was a matter for the Minister of Lands, but he did not think there was much chance of getting the reserve, for it was a difficult matter to divert Harbour Board endowments. It might be that in time there would be a Manukau Harbour Board, and then the reserve would be required. The only thing they might expect was a grant towards making the road.

Mr Bagley said it would cost about £1000, and when made would connect Onehunga with Avondale, and enable a large area of land to be opened up, which was at present idle, because there was no proper access to it.

Sir Joseph said that the Minister for Lands would shortly be in Auckland, and personally he thought Mr Duncan would be quite prepared to give assistance in the shape of a subsidy, for it was the. policy of the Government to help people to help themselves ir the matter of making new

roads. Sir Joseph was duly thanked by the deputation for having come so far in the interest of the district, and after refreshment had been supplied by Mr Arkell, the Minister returned to town about 7.30 o'clock.