King Country Chronicle Wednesday, Feb. 4th, 1914 MAIN ROAD PROBLEM.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 640, 4 February 1914, Page 4

King Country Chronicle Wednesday, Feb. 4th, 1914 MAIN ROAD PROBLEM.

The importance which is assigned to the main road question by townspeople ia to a certain extent indicated by the fact that deputation from the Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to wait on the Local Bodies' Conferenceon Friday with a view to bringing the matter before tbe notice of the assembled delegates. In a general senae the main road question is of immenße importance to the country at large, while locally a very serioaa problem exists in respect to tbe main road between Te Kuiti and Pio Pio. Prior to last session of Parliament tbe utterances of the Prime Minister and some of his colleagues were interpreted to mean that the Government were in favour of taking over the main roads, and making the maintenance thereof a national undertaking. However, when the matter was discussed by the Counties' Conference at Wellington, a resolution against such procedure was carried. Such an< attitude on the part of the local authorities may appear strange to the settlers in new country, but there is, no gainsaying the fact that it would carry great weight with the Government. Moreover, it must be apparent that if Government action was contemplated in the direction indicated it would have to be on a comprehensive scale. In view of the opposition of the majority of County Councila it is not to be wondered at that the movement has received a check, and the prospect of Government action in the near future appears to be remote. In respect to the local problem the only ralief likely to be afforded lies in settlers taking: action on their own behalf. The position is 3omewhat complicated from the fact that a large area of country is involved, including an adjoining county, and the matter of apportioning the responsibility equitably is a task entailing considerable judgment, and an intimate knowledge of the whole district affected. The matter is one which should be handled by the local bodies concerned, and the individuals who are naturally regarded as the proper persons to take the initiative in framing a satisfactory scheme are the men who represent the districts affected on the local bodies. An application has already been made by the Waitomo County Council for authority to expend a portion of the grant, made for the road by the Government, for placing in pro, per order the portion of the roact. already handed over to the Council. Should this application be entertained temporary relief may be obtained, but the reall problem wi!l be as far from being solved as ever. It is to be sincerely hoped the application to the Government will be favourably entertained, and that a sum of money will be available for putting the road in repair before winter sets in. Failing that there appears to be small hope of the road being kept open for traffic. The small amount available from the ridings directly affected can be of very little use in a work of such magnitude. Special provision will have to be made in order to raise the necessary funds, and the sooner steps are taken to provide the ways and means, the sooner will a serious problem be solved, and a satisfactory position established which will bright ten the prospects of both town andountry immeasurably.

Owing to preaaure on our space a considerable amount of correspondence is held over till next issue.

Horße, vehicle, fruit, and furniture will be aold at Mr Graham's mart on Saturday.

The'position of consulting engineer to the Borough of To Kuiti for which sixteen applications were received, was filled by the appointment of Mr H. H. Metcalf, of Auckland.

Through an error the advertisement appearing in laat issue announcing special prize as '"donated by Mrs Broadfoot" for A. and P. Show should have read "donated by Mrs Graham." On Saturday, February 7 th, at 2 p.m. Mr Graham will offer seven convenient building sites, low rents and low reserve; also Mr Duncanson'a fine up-to-date residence. Particulars at hia office.

The rainfall in Te Kuiti for the month of January; was as follows, the figures for which we are indebted to Mr T. E. Foy: January 6th 0.2 inches, 9th .05, 22nd .68, 29th .70, 30th .47, Slßt .31; total 2.23 inches on 6 days. The rainfall for January 1910, 1911, 1912, and 1913 was 4 inches on 13 dayß, .98 inches on 6 days, 4.17 inches on 12 days, and 5.74 inches on 15 days.

Mr George Cardno, clerk to the Waikato Maniapoto Maori Land Board, arrived at Te Kuiti yesterday for the purpose of holding meetings of assembled owners and transacting other board business. He went on to Taumarunui yesterday evening, but will return to Te Kuiti to-day or tomorrow.

The strict observance of the by-laws at Te Kuiti is becoming imperative in View of the increasing traffic, and steps are to be taken to penalise any offenders in future. People driving without lights at night in future or in any way infringing the by-laws will bs called upon to answer for their offence in court.

A large number of visitors are expected at Te Kuiti for the races tomorrow. King Country centres such aa Taumarunui, Otorohanga, and Ohura aro expected to bo veil represented, and many visitors from Waikato have intimated their intention to be present. A special train from Auckland leaving at <>.3o in the morning and returning the same evening is also expected to bo well patronised.

A meeting of the committee appointed to deal with tho proposed reception to tho mounted specials who Went from this district to Auckland during tho strike was held at tho Municipal Chambers on Monday evening. After discussion it was decided that in consequence of tho lack of support received from business people and otheru interested to allow the matter to lapse.

Tho To Kuiti Chamber 01! Commerce met on Mond'jy ovoning and appointed a deputation to wait on the Backblocks Local iJodiiii-i'_ Association, which mooti on Friday, for tho puipoee of drawing attention to the question of main arterial roads. lbu ie Kuiti-Molcau road is of interest to the Waitomo and Awukino Counties, and special reference will tie n.adu to the necessity of forming a scheme for the maintenance of this important thoroughfare. The members of the deputation are Mensra Mosityn Jones, P. Thomas, and G. Elliott.