PONGAROA GRIEVANCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 185, 25 April 1918, Page 10

PONGAROA GRIEVANCE

ITS ONLY BANK CLOSED , SETTLERS' DIFFICULTIES Tho ciosing of tho bunk at Pongni-oji has caused strong Msentnient throughout Akitio County. Butineos men and settlers feel that a great injustice is being indicted upon the district by what is regarded us unfair treatment by the Bank of Wen- Zealand. A largely-attended meeting, with representatives from all parts of tbo county, was held at tb« Town Hall, Pongaioa, on Monday evening. So keenly is the matter felt that the adverse veathgr did not prevent some coming a considerable distance. Councillor A. Diekine, president of the Chamber of Commerce, presided, and stated that the meeting had beeiuconvened for the purpose of protesting against tho unfair treatment being meted out to the district by the Hank of New Zealand directors. Following a meeting of tho Chamber of Commerce, telegrams had been dispatched to tho Prime Minister, invoking his assistance towards retaining the bank here, and also to the members of Parliament, Mr. G. 11. Smith and Mr. G. R. Sykcs. Telegrams iin rely had been received from tho latter stating that they Iwul waited upon the General Manager of Hie bank in Wellington without avail. Not even a weekly attendance for one day would be granted. A petition had been prepared and was being extensively signed all through the county, and this would be sent to the Primo Minister, and it was also hoped that a deputation would go to Wellington on tho matter. The unanimous opinion was that tho back-blocks are not being fairly treated. Townships of no more importance than this district, but situated within a few miles of larger centres, with easy facilities for reaching banks, wore still allowed to retain branches, and it is noticeable that in these places other banks also have branches. Wheie there is no opposition the public are told they must do without. Yet many of these places could be managed from a larger town, with a weekly or by-weekly attendance. 'The opinion .v. as expressed that the ease was one for tho Efficiency Board to deal with, and that prompt action was necessary. Some people, it was stated, will now have to cover nearly CO miles for ft bank. Small wonder that the backblocks dwelloTS say they nro sacrificed for the towns, when what few facilities they possess are withdrawn. It was unanimously resolved to urge the petitions forward, and oilers have been received and accepted to cover the whole district with th<y,c. Applications from outlying districts have beon received for copies./ It was also resolved to ask the County Council to make stro::g representations on the matter.