NORMANBY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 139, 13 August 1881, Page 2

NORMANBY.

(from our own correspondent.)

August 12, 1881.

The letter from Mr. Knowles, on behalf of the Acting Minister of Public Works, certainly contains interesting information for Normanby people. It begins by taking credit for the Government for placing the railway station on Hone Pihama's land, to accommodate the original settlers, as if stations were usually placed in the most inconvenient situations for the great majority of inhabitants ; he then says that the road was diverted in the cheapest and most convenient way. It may be the cheapest, though it certainly does not look like it ; and that it is the most convenient is certainly news, and rather surprising news. That the alteration required would involve considerable additional expense, may be very true ; but if the Government employ surveyors who lay off roads which seriously damage the value of property adjoining, and are extremely inconvenient to all who have to use them, they must expect settlers to appeal for redress. I hear that there will certainly be one claim, and pi'obably more, for damages sustained by this strange deviation.

People here are very much pleased that the Hawera Boad Board has agreed to do something for the Normanby-Manaia road; they trust that there will he no difficulty about the "Waimate Board cooperating ; and, in that case, we look forward to having shortly a direct road to Okaiawa and Manaia, which will help considerably to develop trade, and allow Normanby to reap the natural results of its advantageous situation.

Mr. Kobson's retirement from the Hawera Eoad Board is much regretted, as he was a most indefatigable member, and always anxious to do his best for the interests of this end of the district. It is much to be hoped that a Normanby or lower Ngaire man can be found to take Ms place, as we are by no means strongly represented on the Board at present.