Readers Write

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1945, Page 4

Readers Write

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS LLetters to the Editor must be written in ink on one side of the paper only and not exceed 200 words. Envelopes should be em dorsed “Readers Write.” ]

In a recent “Advocate” appeared.the following: “Stating that Rodney was part of Northland, Mr Wordsworth said

he would like RodROBNEY AND ney to reconsider NORTHLAND its decision. It would be a retrograde step if Northland lost Rodney.” This view was supported by Mr Morrison. V/hile it is hoped Rodney will throw in its lot with Northland and the No. 1 Ward of the New Zealand Counties’ Association ("after all, Rodney has much in common with the seven Northland counties). I would point out that these gentlemen are in error*in supposing that Rodney is part of Northland. Northland extends to the southern boundary of the Otamatea County only. It is true that an effort was made to induce Rodney to join the other seven counties in the formation of the new province. It was admitted at that time that Rodney’s interests leaned towards Auckland. Some of the reasons put forwai'd at that-time do not apply today. 1 sincerely hope Rodney will yet recognise that Northland offers many advantages to its young and rising generation that Auckland cannot offer, and get right behind every effort to gain lor this long-neglected portion of New Zealand all the amenities enjoyed by other provinces of the Dominion.—EDW. L. WHIMP.

We are led to believe that the N.Z. Railway Road Services have taken over the majority of bus services to give

Northlanders a A TRAVELLER’S better and more COMPLAINT efficient transport service. How is it, then, that on Saturday last a number of people were turned away and were not allowed to travel on the north-going bus? Everyone in the bus was seated and no one was standing. Is it against the law to have passengers standing in a bus? If so, why are private bus owners allowed to do it? At least they try to get as many people as possible to their destinations, and do not leave them stranded in Whangarei over the weekend. We were told the bus would hold only those travelling as far as Kawakawa and further north. Apparently those wishing to travel between Whangarei and Kawakawa are of no importance. I must complain also of the curt manner in which I . was treated at the depot, which did not soften my disappointment at being shut out of the bus. Competition would do the N.Z. Railways Road Services good.—“DISGUSTED.”

It is regrettable indeed to read the report of the Whangarei Borough Council’s meeting at which a resolution w,as passed COUNCIL AND asking me to apoloRATEPAYERS gise for what I said at the last meeting of the Ratepayers’ Association. The words used by me were: “Is the council doing work in the anticipation‘that the loan of £55,000 will be carried ” Bearing in mind the action of the council relating to the waterworks recently carried out, I am of opinion my> remarks are quite in order. I am surprised l at the deputy-Mayor allowing a meeting of the council to get so out of hand as to allow- Cr. Johnson to criticise the Ratepayers’ Association by saying “they are a lot of disgruntled ratepayers.” The Ratepayers’ Association is here to stay, and I think it will be of benefit to all ratepayers of the borough. The association is entitled to, and will at all times, fairly criticise the actions of the council. Councillors who cannot accept fair criticism should not, in my opinion, undertake local body work. I desire to state that I have no intention of apologising for the remarks made by me, which, as I have explained herein, were fairlv made.— HAROLD S. BEEHRE.