Settlers' Meeting at Pemberton.

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 99, 18 February 1892, Page 2

Settlers ' Meeting at Pemberton.

■» [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] On Saturday, the 12th instant, a meeting of the settlers of the Pemberton district was held in the school-house to consider what steps should be taken to complete the unfinished portions of the road between Birmingham and Pemberton, which, if left until the rainy season comes on, will prevent yehicnlar traffic during the time when it was most needed. Mr Homer, warden of the district, was in attendance. Mr F. Harris was voted to the chair and explained how matters stood: That the loan which was expected to carry the road right through had been expended, and the contracts, several of which were not finished, were then stopped. Complaints were made in regard to the carrying out of the work by some of the contractors, particularly No. 10 contract, the width of which was dm an average 10 feet instead of 16. Mr Homer stated that the work had not been passed by the Kiwitea Eoad Board's Engineer, and that 75 per cent would only be paid until completion of the work. However, he would speak to Mr Bray at the meeting of the Board to be held on Saturday next. In reply to another enquiry, Mr Homer said that £5000 had been applied fqr to the Qovernment. £4700 was the amount granted, a further sum of 10 per cent pn tins amount had been procured, bringing the total u.p to £5170. He considered that an appJJ; cation for a Ipaq of £6,OQQ should hi*ve been made, All contractors, with one e:?---oeption, had been working at a losa, It was considered that the Government ought to support them in their effort as this road being made enhanced the value of the 60 or 70,000 acres now being opened up by the Government. The expense incurred in constructing a bridge was adversely criticised, it being thought the money would have been more useful if spent on the road. Mr Macarthur had suggested that the Board should form itself into a County Council in order, to increase their borrowing power, and if it was thought to be advisable he would bring the question before the Board. Mr J. Stent proposed that a deputation „ be formed to interview the Premier oh" his visit to Feilding, with a request to the Government fqr assistance, to •have.' $q unfinished portions qf the. main roa4 cqm,pleted. This was seconded ' ans carried unanimously. Messrs Homer, McCleneghan and Bask were appointed members qf th,e deputation. Mr Homer thought they might secure the co-operation of Mr Macarthur. A vote of thanks was passed to MrHomer for his efficient services, as their representative at the Board, and in res. ponding Mr Homer stated there was a probability of his not being able to repre' sent them after the present tqrm. A vote of thanks having been passed to the Chairman, the meeting terminated.