The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1902 ROADS IN BACKBLOOKS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume IX, Issue 1197, 21 February 1902, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1902 ROADS IN BACKBLOOKS.

Mr O’Meara, Member for the District, lias at last moved the Government to do something to the metalling of the Makuri-Pongaroa Road. We aro credibly informed that over £BOO has been authorised for the metalling and work will proceed at once. We congratulate our member on his successfuTefforts, more especially when nearly all other colonial works are completely stopped, and whilst being thankful for small mercies we hope the Government will understand the necessity, as soon as money is available, of completing as many of our country roads as Ipossible and with the least possible delay. The hackblock settlers have waited now patiently for many years in the hope that every year would bring them nearer to the goal of a better and more permanent access to their holdings, but, unfortunately many of them are as badly otf now as they were years ago. Mr Robinson, Chief Road Overseer for the Wellington District, in company with Mr Nathan, the local road overseer, is at present in the back districts inspecting matters and things at present hid fair in the interests of settlers. It will be remembered that recently we publisheda telegram which Mr O’Meara had sent to the Premier in connection with the scandalous state of the roads out back and urging settlers’ claim for bettor attention. The following wires were received by Mr O’Meara in reply: “To J. O’Meara, M.H.R., —Am astonished to hear and can scarcely credit that tho metalling of the Makuri-Pongaroa Road is as it was four years ago. Have referred your telegram to Mr Hursthouse for report. —R. J. Seddon, Christchurch.’’ Then followed two days after the following wire : “Mr Hursthouse informs me that there is nine miles of the Makuri-Pongaroa Road to be metalled and would require £3,600 to do it.—J. R. Seddon. ’’ In reply to this Mr O’Meara sent the following wire to Mr Seddon: “ Your telegram received re metalling Pongaroa Road. Amount may appear large, but when you consider importance of road and number cf years nothing has been done to it, in justice to settlers the metalling should go on immediately. Metal is now lying on roadside waiting to be spread. Why not spread metal at small cost instead of allowing it to waste after spending so much placing it whero it is ? The demand of settlers to do worst part is extremely reasonable, for another winter means great hardships. J. O’Meaka.” Settlers, however, will be exceedingly pleased that the aforementioned sum of £BOO will be spent on the Pottgaroa Road without delay.