Wood-cutting on Reserves

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 128, 2 June 1936, Page 8

Wood-cutting on Reserves

(To the Editor.)

fcjir, —In the report of the Pohangina County Council meeting published in your issuo of oven date, I notice that Or. McKay made some effort to justify the attitude he adoptod in dealing with an application lor wood-cutting rights on scenic reserves. 1 would like 1o point out, however, that apart from ‘placing a certain amount oi responsibility on to the engineer iio has not yet made the position very clear as regards my application. In the first instance this was held over for a mouth “ponding certain enquiries by Cr. Arbon and the engineer. No enquiries were made from me, and having Known both these gentlemen for many years 1 can hardly conceive that either would base a report on idle gossip or hearsay. Further, I find it hard to believe tlyrt a responsible body such us tincouncil concerned would come to a decision ou any matter, excepting by consideration of actuul facts placed before it. What, then, did (Jr. McKay base his imputation on i This is a point I and many other residents would like to be enlightened on. is it not a fact that firewood has Leen transported by tho council’s lorry to Palmerston North and in view of that it is patent to non-ratepayers that the council’s idea of justice is somewhat out of balance. I would invite (Jr. McKay as a businessman to apply the same principles as a means of getting first-hand experience. However, knowing how consistent this council can bo now-, ratepayers can expect in tho future tc see that body refusing highways sub sidics on the grounds that non-ratepay-ers contribute to same, accompanied by a tearful explanation that it is against their principles. A few ratepayers no doubt will be in the samo lachrymose state in regard to sutisiuised labour. However, it is to be hoped that some councillor who has a modern conception of justico will see lit to explain the council’s attitude clearly in regard to this matter, or, perhaps the engiueei would oblige. In the opinion of resident non-ratepayers the present statu of affairs may well be called a local “Abyssinian expedition” with Mussolini and dum-dums complete. In conclusion, I wish to state that I and others interested are prepared to go beforo the council in an effort to cleat this matter up provided tlie wholo proceedings are open to the Press. This is, I think, a fair proposition. Many residents will await with interest the council’s decision in this regard.—l am, etc.,

M. G. FAULK. Komako, May 28, 1936.