THE EDENDALE ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18534, 19 October 1923, Page 6

THE EDENDALE ROAD.

Further light has been thrown on the controversy in Mount Albert over the surfacing of Edendale Road, consequent on tho tramway extension. From the case made by the Ratepayers' Association, its proposition to the council is not unreasonable in terms. If accepted, it would have meant that finance for the bitumenised roadway would in all probability have been assured, while the question of an extra commitment for concrete would be left to the decision of the ratepayers. The association specifically undertakes to be bound absolutely by the result of the vote. The council, however, on last night's decision, stands committed to bitumen or nothing. It may'' feel that there must be a limit to, interference with the control of works and finance by an outside body; but it might remember that those who are urging the alternative scheme comprise some, if not necessarily all, the citizens to whom they owe responsibility in the ultimate. In the circumstances it is difficult to see why the ratepayers should not be given the chance to. express an opinion. At present the choice threatens to be between bitumen or nothing, with the addendum of no tramcars. There is no essential principle forbidding the council to allow a popular choice between bitumen and concrete. At the same time, if there is any force in the reported threats to vote against any loan if the council will not consider an additional poll, the Ratepayers' Association should -weigh the position very carefully' before taking so extreme a step. They have made a reasonable case for their request, but such threats go far to spoil it. It seems the obvious way to vote no confidence in the council's policy, but with priority in tramway extension at stake, is it worth the risk? That is the domi-' natiDg consideration which . should be, kept most carefully in mind by both parties to the controversy.