NORTH ROAD IMPROVEMENT

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 5, 5 February 1930, Page 2

NORTH ROAD IMPROVEMENT

ATING SUITOGLING FARMERS. The urgent need, from a dairying viewpoint of providing settlers on the North road with sufficiently good road access to get their cream to Awanui factory was strongly put before the Hon. W. B. Taverner at Awanui on Jan. 24 by a deputation consisting of Mr. W. Rose, chairman of the Kaitaia Co-operative Dairy Factor), and the factory manager, Mr. McCarthy. Pointing out the settlers north of Waipapakauri had previously been dependent, directly or indirectly, on the gum industry, Mr. W. Rose stated the collapse of the gum market had left them hard put, and the dairy factory had treated them very liberally. Avery important factor was the condition of the road, and it was felt that representations to the present Minister of Public Woiks had not given satisfaction; and unless substantial assistance was obtained from the P.W.D. the settlers up north would be faced by many problems. Large amounts were being spent at le Kar, the supply from there havlincreasedI increased considerably. M. years ago there were no fc'rs here —now there are fcj.” stated Mr. McCarthy, V manager. “There is prful development going »»j. They had been told by dairying experts that quality must not be allowed to go back one point, but unless there was reasonable access these settlers could not get their cream out. Last year it was September before the cream could be got out, and as tar as he knew the council had done nothing to the road, which he believed had not been taken over by the council. It was a growing district, and the stock had increased by 100 per cent last year, the country having been developed much more than anyone had expected. The settlers were working under great difficulties, but he thought that in 4 or 5 years they would have a factory of their own. He would certainly like to see something don?; the road had been formed, but the chief trouble was faulty culverts and keeping the water off. If the water was kept off there would be a good road all the year round. Stating he had on many occasions pi iced the position before the Minister of Public Works. Capt. H. M. Rushworth, M.P., said the department contended that, the road having been formed it was purely a matter tor the council lo maintain it; and although he had argued that point he believed that once the road was formed and surveyed it became the council’s responsibility. Most of the land, however, was crcwn ami native land that paid no rahs, and money would have to be taken from other hardpushi d ridings. The road last winter got into such a stale that it was impassable, and the Minister of Public Works had placed £ICO as an emergence)- rate to make it passable. One bridge was nearing collapse. Legally the council might be liable, but it coulJ do nothing, and he strongly urged that the P.W.D. should take over the road. Very heavy charges were made for the transport of cream. “I will pass your representations on to the Minister of Public Works,” stated the Hon. Mt. Taverner, “and 1 will do so somewhat feelingly. There is no question that the road is in a ! most shocking state.” Stony Creek BriJge was in a serious ; cond’tion, and repairs were urg- J

ently needed. “The structure is positively dangerous,” he said. “I will send an urgent memo on to the Minister of Public Works in regard to the state of that bridge. I assure you that you have my sympathy.”