ROADS AND IDLE LAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18087, 11 May 1922, Page 4

ROADS AND IDLE LAND.

Sir,—Much has been said about the appalling condition of the two main north roads on the eastern side of the waitemata county—the Birkenhead Dairy Flat Road and the East Coast Road. Much abuse has been thrown at the council, but not all of it is deserved. It must be remembered that in the Pukeatua riding through which the former road runs, about twothirds of the ratepayers are absentees. Wainui riding is almost as bad. A good proportion of these absentees are holding unimproved land for speculative purposes and the rates they pay are absurdly sm»il compared to those of the bona-fide farmer, who is improving his land. Under the present system of rating the money collected is insufficient,to maintain even clay roads. What hope then is there ol getting better roads? The one-third should' not be expected to carry the burden. I think a remedy could be found if separate ridings were allowed to poll and carry unimproved rating. If such were the case I feel 'sure that at least two or three adjoining ridings on this northeastern side would go in Tor loans, good roads, etc. The load then would be carried bv all, and much good would result. May I suggest to the members of the council that they move in this matter. T. M. Bttrns.