RAROA ROAD

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 170, 11 April 1924, Page 4

RAROA ROAD

♦ DEPUTATIONO TO CITY COUNCIL MAYOR GIVES ASSURANCE THAT LOAN WILL NOT LAPSE A deputation of over 50 members of the Kelburn Extension and Raroa Electors’ Association waited upon the City Council last evening. Mr. J. Henderson, on behalf of the deputation, asked that an early start should be made with the work of the extension of the tramway to Baroa Road. 21 good deal of work would he necessary on the road before the tram rails could bo laid, and the winter months, when plenty of labour was available, would be a good time to make a start with the preliminary work. Mrs. Chatfield supported the request that the tramway to Raroa Road should be pushed on with. Anything which helped to relieve the congestion in the crowded areas would be for the betterment of the city. Mr. B. Keesing said that disappointment was felt that this work, which had been sanctioned by the ratepayers, had not been proceeded with. The new route would open up a good deal of second-section country, and these, he understood, were the sections which paid. The Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright) : The sections from Lambton Quay to Veitch and Alien’s corner, and from Lambton Quay, are the sections which carry the tramways on their backs. Mr. Henderson said that money was now easier, and material had now cfnie down.

Tho Mayor, in replying, said that it was barely two years since tho council had started to raise the loan for the work. All the councillors agreed that the suburbs should, be opened up, but it was impossible to do all the works at once. The council had had to raise thu rates considerably. They bad had t.' raise a good deal of money this year for different works. Did the deputation wish the council to run the city on the rocks? Many of the works wcro so far unproductive. The <ouncil resembled a father with a very largo family, all clamouring for a chare of tho pudding. Tho loan money had been raised for the Raroa Board, and could not be used for anything else. A voice: The loan might lapse. The Mayor: I have given an assurance that it will not bo allowed to lapse. Councillor A. AV. Parton: You might go out of office. The Mayor: There are several things I intend to see to before I go out of office

Proceeding, Mr. Wright ,=aid that several different sections of the ratepayers were pressing for works to be undertaken in their particular localities, The council could not do everything at once. Tho deputation could rest assured that the Raroa Road would bo proceeded with as soon as it was possible to do so. The council had to arrange for finance, and tho ratepayers did not like the rates being continually raised. Ho thanked the deputation for the fair and modest way in which tliey had put their case, and informed them that the council would give their representations due consideration.