WANGANUI-WAITOTARA BOARD.

Patea Mail, Volume I, Issue 20, 19 June 1875, Page 3

WANGANUI-WAITOTARA BOARD.

TO THE EDITOR OE THE PATEA MAIL. Sm, —In your issue of to-day I sec a statement is made by your Wairoa correspondent, reflecting ou the Wanganui and Waitotara Highway Board, by charging the Board with obatructivness towards the election of the wardens for the new Highway District. As warden for the No. 1 Ward in the old district, I deny that the slightest opposition -was shown, either with regards the formation of the new district, or the election of its wardens, either from motives of spite or otherwise ; but, on the other hand, I consider that No. 1 and 2 Wards of the old Board had their quantum of justice at the hands of all the members of the Board. Referring to the new valuation, it was perfectly right and proper that devaluation should comprehend the whole of the old district and had my special approval, as the separation of Ike district was not effected but only contemplated and might not have been carried out. In any case it would cost loss to the new district than a separate valuation, and would be equally available for the new Board to work upon. If the ratepayers are not satisfied with their respective valuations, they have a remedy in appeal to the wardens, who have ample power to amend the valuation ; but if that is not judicious, and the amount of rates levied is more than the district would require (which is not likely for a year or two), it is not compulsory for the Board to levy the maximum rate of one penny in the pound, for if a lesser sum will meet the requirements of the district there is nothing in the Act to prevent the Board levying such amount. I am, yours, &c., WILLIAM WILSON. Elslea, Whenuakura. Juno 12, 1875.