THE ONSLOW BOROUGH ROAD.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The one absorbing topic just now amongst the ratepayers of the Onslow Borough is the new road which it is proposed should be made between Kaiwarra and Khandallah. No doubt a good road between these two places would be a great advantage, but it is open to argument whether, in the interests of the borough as a whole, the wisest course is being pursued. The route laid off by Mr Ward, C. 8., who is now employed as the supervisor of the new road to Karori, has been abandoned, and we are to have a road that will not so nearly suit the best interests of the borough. Mr Ward’s road was so laid off as to provide frontages on both sides, a material factor from the point of view of rates. We must have buildings on both sides if possible so as to increase the number of ratepayers to share the burden of the extra rates that will be imposed to provide the interest on the new loan. Mr Ward’s route is a considerables way from the railway line, whereas the new route is quite close to the line for some distance. This will not be very pleasant for anyone driving a skittish horse, to say nothing of the sulphurous fumes belched forth by the gigantic Manawatu engines when struggling up the Khandallah incline, which with our prevailing north-westers will blow right across the road. There is another disadvantage in the new route ,as compared with Mr Ward’s, in the fact that tho height gained ' when ’ the saddle of the hill at the back of Crofton is reached is to be lost under the new proposal. There is to be a drop right down to the stream .again below the Crofton station, and the height gained at the saddle will be to a great extent lost. This will have to be made up again between Crofton and . Khandallah. It is to be hoped, that the new . route will not be finally adopted, but that some modification will be made, I think ratepayers may fairly ask why Mr Ward's route has been abandoned P There must bB some reason. Everyone is agreed, with *ne exception of a few people at Wadestown and Kaiwarra, that a good road would be of immense benefit to the district, hut there ia a considerable difference of opinion as to the route. Many ratepayers think that a route considerably farther removed from the railway and avoiding the drop .down to the stream below the. Crofton station is the most suitable. I understand that the Mayor intends to call a public meeting of the ratepayers at Kaiwarra shortly, and I sincerely trust that an opportunity will be given of amending the route. Our worthy Mayor is a reasonable man and need have nothing to fear if he make's a modification. It would not affect the votes at Wadestowu and Kaiwarra. There are a few. malcontents at those places, but the hulk of the people there cannot fail to see. how well they have been provided for under the X reposed loan. Both places will have their roads and drains put into first-qlaas condition, and what more do they want P—l am, &c., ' Khandallah.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3262, 20 October 1897, Page 3
Word Count
545THE ONSLOW BOROUGH ROAD. New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3262, 20 October 1897, Page 3
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