SHIRKING STATE RESPONSIBILITY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8789, 17 April 1907, Page 2

SHIRKING STATE RESPONSIBILITY.

Throwing Burden on Ratepayers.

Per Press Association. j STEATFOEDj April 10. At a meeting of representatives of all public bodies in Taranaki here to-night to consider tbs Minister of Public Works . attitude re handing over Ohura Eoad in , Stratford County, the following resolution was carried :—" That this meeting j representing the dairying, pastoral, and j commercial interests of Taranaki, very J earnestly urges and respectfully advises ( the Minister of Public Works to delay I vesting the unmetalled portions of | arterial road until personal inspection and i investigation by himself or the Minister for 1 Lands has been made, as to the ability of the district affected to undertake the responsibility, and this meeting reluctantly informs the Minister that practical experience and unprejudiced opinion declare the contemplated action to be unjust, and financially unfair, and such as_ if carried into effect will establish a clear instance of inequitable government, in regard to back , country where settlers have been precluded ; from fully sharing with other sections of the community in the advantages of general prosperity enjoyed by New Zealand throughout the colony’s long continued default in furnishing these State settlers upon waste lands with adequate transit fay rail or road.” It was stated that it cost Government £2OOO a year to maintain this road at present and the revenue from the district to the county is only £BOO.