County Matters.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 20, 18 December 1906, Page 5

County Matters.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln your issue of 27th November, a letter signed “ ’Waipapakauri ” comments on expenditure of grants north of Awanui during the past year. At Waiharcra tenders were called for work which absorbed the whole grant, and residents were, contrary to all past experience, able to congratulate the riding menber on spending within the district for which it was granted the whole of the money allocated.

It is tine that there is a road through tidal swamps which is the only approach to the school from the northern side of Waiharera creek, and that such road is impassable at times. The former member, Mr. Evans, was frequently asked to have a foot-path formed for the more convenient aud safe passage of children attending the school. This was not done as I suppose Mr. Evans could not (in this case) conscientiously spend money on an uhsurveyed road. Surely “ Waipapakauri ” cannot be serious in censuring the present member for a similar circumspection. It is to he regretted that despite precedent this needful work was not accomplished. I again say the residents congratulate the Riding member on his departure from previous methods, noteably on spending within the district the full amount of money granted, and on inviting tenders for all W'ork and material.

I agree with “ Waipapakauri ” in this —our late councillor did possess the faculty for getting good grants. It is to be hoped his persuasions will ex officio continue to this end. As to the methods of expenditure in the past, there is more visible work for the last year’s grant than for any three preceding years. To sum it up we last year got our grant spent in the district, and got value for the money. — I Am, yours etc. WAIHARERA. December 6th, 1906.