A COUNTRY ROAD

Southland Times, Issue 19172, 16 February 1924, Page 8

A COUNTRY ROAD

JOSEPHVILLE TO CAROLINE. SOUTHLAND LEAGUE’S DISCUSSION. The construction of the much-debated Josephville-Caroline road was again brought up at the quarterly meeting of the Southland League at Winton yesterday. ‘Together with Mr D. H. McLean I came down here to oppose the construction of this road as it is unnecessary,” said Mr W. J. Martin, of Dipton. Continuing, he said the farmers’ taxes were already very high, and. he did not see what benefit the road was going to be. So far as distance was concerned a few miles meant nothing to a motor. The road would not open up any new country and would be of little benefit as a stock road. In very wet weather the river would wash over the road at Caroline and stop stock traffic. The chairman: Are you in favour of the road going over the saddle or round the bluff? Mr Martin: I am opposed to both. He said further that the road would be useless for farmers and would be a commercial and tourist road. The road would cost about £7,000 and the material benefit to the ratepayers would be practically nil. “The road could be constructed for less than half the amount" mentioned by Mr Martin,” said Mr J. H. Thomson. “I have here a petition of 130 names—people who favour the saddle route. I pay a considerable amount in rates and land tax and at present have to use a sledge to get to my property beyond the saddle. I think I deserve a little consideration. “I would suggest that a vote be taken in the Southland County to decide whether the road is necessary,” said Mr D. H. McLean. “The League would then decide upon the route.” Mr D. McDonald said it was ridiculous having two roads, one on either side of the river. Mr W. McChesney then moved that the matter, together with the petition, be referred to the executive. The League would have to be careful not to come into conflict in any way with local bodies. “I think the road should haave been made 50 years ago,” said the chairman. He said he could not see why any objections should be raised. The petition was referred to the executive, it being stated that a counter petition would probably be lodged against the construction of the road.