THE MOUNTAIN ROAD.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 77, 5 January 1881, Page 2

THE MOUNTAIN ROAD.

There is still some prospect of getting that portion of the Mountain road, lying between Stratford and the Mangawhero, metalled. The following telegram has been received from the Hon. Major Atkinson by Mr. H. Southey, Chairman of the Ngaire Road Board :—": — " Wellington, Dec. 30, 1880.— In reply to your letter of the 16th instant, I have to inform you that the Engineer-in-Charge has been intimated to again advertise gravelling contracts in the Patea county at once, but on a somewhat reduced specification, so as to come within the sum allocated for the seven miles, viz., If settlers and others likely to tender knew that this was |-«U;J;he money available, it might be the i meana^ getting moderate tenders." If this opportojiity^ of. getting the road metalled is allows to slip by, it will be

difficult to say whether the Government may not allow the vote to fall through altogether, seeing the absurd prejudice that exists in the South against any expenditure within the boundaries of th • . Taranaki provincial district. The settlers would do well, therefore, to meet and consult together as to the best course to be taken, under the circumstances. If, say, half-a-dozen persons were to tender for the seven miles at such a price as to ensure its acceptance by the Public Works Department, the loss, if any were sustained, would, not be so severely felt as by a single individual. The settlers holding small areas along the road might be asked to work at a little under the ordinary rate of wages, because by the metalling of the road an enhanced value would be given to their properties. We have been informed that Mr. Hawke tendered, at the rate of £5 a chain, for the whole distance, and if he be prepared to do so again, then there would be no necessity for combination or mutual help, because his tender would only amount to J>2Boo, whilst the Hon. Major Atkinson states that the Public Works Department is prepared to spend that sum, and to modify the previous specification. " Half a loaf is better than no bread"; therefore we are anxious to see half the road metalled, as there appeal's to be no chance of getting the whole of it done at present.