WAIMEA COUNTY AFFAIRS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 26 June 1924, Page 2

WAIMEA COUNTY AFFAIRS

(To tlio Editor.)

Sir.—ln rcplv to your correspondent Mr W. B. North, 1 feel it is hard to credit that such a letter was written by one person. At the outset he slathers me for the way in which 1 denounce the actions of the other councillors on such an important question of striking the rate. A great pity that we axe not all as wide -awake as Mr North, with plenty to pav what ever rate is asked. Would not things prosper if our eyes were opened so that we could see beyond our back fence. However, before getting far Mr North leaves me and slathers Cr. Berryman. In reply to this, Sir, I think if Mr North attends the ratepayers’ meeting at Foxhill next Saturday nig’it he will be given an opportunity to question or reply to Cr. Berryman, and I really think it is his duty to do so since having made such statements. Mr North says not in the name of commonsense can we complain at the actions of our Council "(I wish it were so), and coming to the latter portion of his letter one is struck when he says under new conditions of road tiaffic the present position is most unfair to the ratepayers and must be altered. From here’’ Sir, lie has struck, the key note, and emphasises that which must be done, and that- is collect from those

who use and wear the roads. I think there is no better method than the toll gate, and I don't think there is a more suitable place in this country that_ is better situated than Nelson, there'being only tho one road on each side. If atiy olio has or knows of some better method it would be a good thing to make it known. Sir, there is one thing which lias often struck me, and that is, would not. it. be a good thing if the County Council were'to approach the Railway Department to urge oil them to try and encourage more traffic on the railways. I feel sure this could be done if it was carried out in the right manner, and would thereby increase their profits and help to reduce the expenses of the Council. Trusting to you for space for which 1 thank vou. f am, etc., L HIGGINS.