ACCESS FOR SETTLERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1940, Page 3

ACCESS FOR SETTLERS

MR SEMPLE CONCERNED. [per press association.] INVERCARGILL, April 12. A charge of breaking a three-year-old promise to provide easy access to (Mataura for a number of settlers on the old Dunedin road was made against a member of the Southland County Council (Mr F. Trapski) by the Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple), when hearing deputations to-day. Three years ago when he met the council, Mr Seriiple agreed to give a £2 for £1 subsidy if the job were done, and he expressed keen disappointment when a deputation which met him at Mataura complained that this agreement had not been carried out, leaving two miles of road uncompleted. When Mr Semple asked for an explanation of this position to-day, he was informed by Mr Trapski, the member for the riding, that although the settlers concerned did not have direct access to Mataura, they had a good road to Gore and Pukerau. “That is not the point,” Mr Semple replied. “1 gave that subsidy on the understanding that a straight road would be put through. You have been guilty of breaking a, ‘gentleman’s agreement.’ ” Mr Trapski: Well, the war came on Mr Semple: Don't blame the Avar. You made'up your mind before Hitler struck. You got in ahead of him. Mr Trapski: Only two settlers, are affected. ■ “That is not so,” Mr Semple replied. “Several settlers from that area camej to see me yesterday. I took it that when the County Council agreed to do the job it , was in duty bound to complete it. 1 was disappointed when I found that the job had not been done, and I want to tell you my sympathy is With the settlers. I hope you,will consider the position and try to satisfy these farmers.”

All that Mr Trapski would concede, however, was that he would see about it when -the war was over.