COUNTY COUNCIL AFFAIRS.

Northern Advocate, 17 January 1920, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL AFFAIRS.

It is certainly time that the Whangarei County Council developed some I organised method of controlling and utilising its machinery. At almost every meeting there is a scramble amongst members for the use of a grader or crusher, and investigation has to he made to find out where the machines are and how long they will bo in operation in the particular spot where they have been located. Yesterday there was quite an eager discussion ■■is to which riding should get possession of a crusher plant. One member declared that he had been waiting months for the machine. Further talk brought forth tho fact thnt the plant ■'iii'l been idle for a month. This 'muting up of machinery whenever it is required wastes valuable time and holds up works which should be in rapid progress. It is also high time tho .Council went in for more up-to-date methods of construction. There is a great deal of work ahead in this county and it should pay well to I'ave the machinery necessary for economical working. The purchase of what is required

might run into a considerable sum, but it would pay in the long run.

It is to be sincerely regretted thai the Olonga ratepayers have turned down the proposal to borrow £20,000 for roading purposes. The majority against, the proposal was an emphatic, one and clearly demonstrates the fact that the settlers in that portion of the enmity are by no means anxious to get out of the mud, and we suppose their wishes will have to be respected. Nevertheless it is disappointing for the Council, as the decision interferes with the general plan of development which had been mapped out. Other districts have shown a commeudably progressive spirit and have readily agreed to help themselves, and it was generally thought that the loan proposals would be acceptable throughout the couuty. However, it is possible that later on proposals in another form may be ap- | proved.

The action of the Council in expressing disapproval of the resolutions passed by the Maungaturoto conference was fully expected. Both the new chairman and the old one were strongly opposed to the diversion of the road from Whangarei county, <vid in this respect they had the suppoit of practically all the councillors. The chairman emphatically declared that he would support no proposal which did not provide for the main road passing through Whangarei, and in this stand it is safe to say he will lm\c the hearty support of the great majority of the people in the district. The scheme of a straight road from Auckland to Kaitaia regardless of population centres is 100 unpracticable to warrant general support. Roads are meant, to serve population, and they are most urgently required where population is the thickest. To put. a big, expensive road through sparsely settled country and avoid an important and growing trade centre does not appear sound policy. It might serve the interests of the terminus at, Kaitaia by having the shortest possible route through to Auckland, but it would not meet the requirements of the rapidly increasing number of people doing business in Whangarei. The County Cow. oil has fixed upon its main road through Waipu, and the wisest plan is to get ahead with the work of improvement without delay. Our main roads have been neglected too long, with the result that progress has been retarded. The through route to Kaitaia may come a quarter of a century hence. We cannot wnit to establish such a connection.