OTAMATEA COUNTY NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19778, 27 October 1927, Page 16

OTAMATEA COUNTY NOTES.

CENTRAL SCHOOL SCHEME BOARD DEFERS ACTION. [by telegraph.—-own correspondent.] DARGAVILLE, Wednesday

In connection with the Ruawai school consolidation scheme the Auckland Education Board advised the Otamatea County Council to-day that the school committees concerned had been informed that in view of the advice of the County Council that a considerable expenditure would be required to place the roads in a condition to cope with the extra traffic, the board was unable tor the present to take any further action toward consolidation The board further stated that the road controversy was local in character and must be settled before consolidation could take place.

'You will understand that for the board to appoint an engineer in connection with the question would be to practically take up the position ol arbitrator between the County Council and those who consider roads to be in a state to carry the heavy traffic. it is outside the province of the board to decide whether the road is suitable or not," continued the communication.

Considerable interest Has, been taken in the district in the movement to centralise the schools on the river flat. The Ota Mi a tea County Council passed a resolution that the scheme would not be gone on with until the roads in the district were put in a prop«r condition to carry extra traffic. The council was of opinion that the extra traffic would not be in the best interests oi the narrow roads in the district and the expense ot putting them in order would become h burden on the already heavily taxed ratepayers. A deputation from the school commit tees concerned waited on the council at its last meeting asking that the motion should be rescinded, but ihe council refused to alter its decision The reply from the Education Board now suspends the movement indefinitely. An interesting demonstration was givnn at Ruawai yesterday by two road-making machinery firms before representatives of all the local bodies m North Auckland. The tests were followed with keen interest by all present. Elaborate preparations are being made tor "pets' day" in connection with animals' welfare week at the Dargaville school On Friday it is expected that over 150 pets of ail kinds will be on exhibition.