SETTLER PROTESTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 13 May 1925, Page 4

SETTLER PROTESTS.

PROGRESS OF ROAD WORK,

THE COUNCIL’S REPLY. SAYS COMPLAINT UNJUSTIFIED. Consideration was given at the monthly meeting of the Egmonfc County Council yesterday to a complaint regarding the Council’s alleged delay in completing work on the Iliaia roadi in the county in accordance with the terms of a loan raised for that purpose. The letter embodying the complaint, which had been forwarded by Mr M. O’Brien, one of the ratepayers on the road in question, to the Superintendent of the State Advances Office and was redirected by the Superintendent to the Council, with the request that the Council reply direct to Mr O’Brien, read as follows: .* 1 About 18 months ago, the Egmont County Council borrowed £SOOO from you by way of special loan for the purpose of metalling and tar-sealing the Ihaia road. During the summer of 1924 the Council metalled about four miles of the road, and this summer (1925) the balance of about one and a-half miles. So far no tar or bitumen has been put on any part of the road and upless the Council is compelled it is not likely to do so. Hence. Sir, .1 respectfully ask you te compel the Council to tar or bitumen seal the road in accordance with thei terms and conditions with which the loan was raised. It is said that there is some money left over out of the £SOOO loan, and, if necessary, I presume the Council can raise the usual 10 per cent (£500) on the loan. The metalled 'roadway is only lOfb wide in parts and the balance is lift. The road is about five and ahalf miles long, and; £SOO would tar, or bitumen seal it. A light coat of about six inches of crushed metal has been put on the road, and if not now tarred it will go to pieces and; be worn out in a few years, with no hope of obtaining another loan. The road is now paying three special Tates for loans; also the general county rate, a harbour rate, and electric power board rate.” In conclusion, Mr O’Brien stated the matter was of vital importance to ratepayers on the road. The chairman (Cr W. C. Green) said the expenditure of the Ihaia road loan of £SOOO had been one of the first undertakings of the present Council when it took office. At a meeting with the ratepayers affected, it had been pointed out that tar-sealing could not be ; undertaken immediately, and it had' been decided on the settlors’ request to go ahead with the metalling on the understanding that the tar or bitumen work would be commenced if sufficient money was available. At present £SOO was available, and - that amount would be expended. It it proved insufficient it would be for the ratepayers to say whether further money should be. spent. Considering, however, that the road had had the use of the road-making plant for approximately two years, while other roads were practically neglected, the Ihaia road had been given very fair tretment, and the complaint made was unwarranted and without reason.

Cr J. Hickey thought he could speak for the majority of the ratepayers on the road, and he could assure the Council that they fully appreciated the manner in which the work had been pushed ahead. The chairman further stated that, in conversation with Mr Ball (district engineer for Public Works), he had explained that the road had been relaid and tar-sealing would be commenced with the available mdney as soon as circumstances were opportune. On the. motion of Cr J. S. Tosland it was decided-to forward formal notification to that effect to Mr Ball and to Mr O ’Brien.