THE INCREASED TELEPHONE CHARGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10412, 9 April 1897, Page 5

THE INCREASED TELEPHONE CHARGES.

[BIT IKLEOBAPIt.—riIIWS ASSOCIATION.) CiiRisTOHUROii, Thursday, The Council of the National Association has passed a resolution expressing its strong disapprobation of tho increased telephone tariff, na being unwarranted, anil a breach of faith with the large number of subscribers who joined the Exchange under the belief that previous rntea would bo continued, ROAD CONNECTION BETWEEN BA Y OF PLENTY AND WAIKA TO. [by telegraph.—own oorresfosdent.] Tauranoa, Thursday. At tho monthly meeting of the Tauranga County Council held yesterday, a deputation of business people waited on the Council to urgo tho completion and opening of the Kaimai road between Tauranga and Cambridge. The distance botween Tauranga and Mauugawharn, the nearest railway station, U only 30 miles, and of this about half is already fit for traffic. The rest has been partly formed, and no great outlay would be required from the Government to make the whole road fit for vehicular traffic. In roply to the deputation, Mr. Vesey Steward, the acting chairman of the Council, stated that the Government had boon approached on the subject, and the only objection they had to completing the road was that it would enhance the value of the land which the

Government" might yet decide to purchase for settlement purposes. Practically the Government are blocking the whole distriot for o land " spec." of their own. The Government for the same reason decline to provide funds for the repairs of the Ruahihi bridge, about twelve miles from Tauranga, which was damaged in the January storms. This really means making tho road impassable as tho ford is in a dangerous state, and practioally all travelling traffic had ceased, except by those who are thoroughly acquainted with the road. Tho Council approved of the suggestions of the deputations, and appointed »a committee to meet a borough council committee, and adopt means for furthering the prompt opening of the road. One effect of the closing of the road is that about 30 men who used to draw supplies from this side have to get their supplies from the other side at a grenfc cost of Doth time and money. The road is urgently needed between the Bay of Plenty and Waikato districts, and in addition would be a valuable feeder to the Government railway, and also open up a' new, picturesque, and interesting tourist route.