Mama Road Controversy Re-awakened

Northern Advocate, 12 May 1939, Page 3

Mama Road Controversy Re-awakened

"This is the first Lime in the history of the County Council that a Minister has received a deputation on county matters without first invit- | ing the council to be represented. It ! was very evident that it was not in- : tended that the county chairman i should be present at the interview." I With these remarks, Mr J. A. S. I Mac Kay, chairman of the Whangaj rei County Council, concluded his rej port to the council today on the McEreen's Road (Marua) controversy. When the Minister of " Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, was touring Northland recently, he met a deputation concerning the road, and expressed severe criticism of the council's work. This criticism resulted in a report at today's council meeting by a special commititee set up to look into the matter. "When the Minister was here he miade some very scathing comments about the council's work," said Mr Mac Kay. Road In Good Order. "As is usual on such roads, the part with the most -traffic is slightly potholed, but the other end is in very good condition," he went on. "We spent a whole afternoon on that and other roads in the Kiripaka Riding, and I think the worst road I travelled that afternoon was on my own road; from Kamo to my home. I "Mcßreen's Road is equal to any. country ro'ad in the county. "Mr Semple assured the deputation of two things: that he would discuss the matter with the County Council; before leaving the district, and that he would have the matter investigated by the Public Works Department Engineer. "In the first instance, this is a press report and, if it is correct, then he did not keep his promise.

"Regarding fhe second assurance, I understand this was done and that an inquiry was ordered by the Public Works Department for a report from the engineer. "In view of Mr Semple's remarks while here, I feel we are entitled to the department's report on the matter. Views Supported. "Mr Semple states that we can't expect grants for such roads if the money is to be fired taway as it was on Mcßreen's Road." Councillor J. Morrison, who - also inspected the road, said he was satisfied that the road in its present state was in a good condition as an access road. "I say this more so as I knew the road previously, when it was only clay, and when you couldn't get over it in the winter. Settlers should be satisfied with the road. From my knowledge of highways in the riding, even considering second-class highways, this road is in very good order. "Admittedly, 'the stone was of bigger specification than required, but we must remember that riding funds are limited, and that the engineer is therefore justified in making the money go las far as possible. The road is quite satisfactory for the amount of traffic on it.

“It was very unfair for the Minister to comment as he did without having definite knowledge.”

Insincere Remarks.

“The whole manner in which comments were expressed by settlors was unfortunate,” remarked Cr. A. Clarke. “They were insincere and without justification. It is extremely inadvisable for country people to come to the council in this way. I think the people implicated in this affair were extremely ill-advised ana we hope they will not repeat the performance of the past few months.’ Mr Morrison explained, when referring to Mr MacKsy’s remarks concerning the council not being informed about the deputation, that he had been communicated with by telephone from Mr Mcßreen the previous evening.

“Mr Mcßreen wrote to me, enclosing photographs,” said Cr. F. Elliott. -“They say photographs cannot lie, hnd I presume this was the road he photographed.” “Large stones could be easily collected,” replied Mr Mac Kay. On Mr Mac Kay’s suggestion it was decided to ask the Minister for the reports secured by the engineer in the matter.