“ALL RIGHT BOYS”

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 62, 25 May 1928, Page 5

“ALL RIGHT BOYS”

(MR ME01) SYMPATHETIC. METAL FOR BACK BLOCKS. ■With a request that the Government should guarantee a metalling loan for the Kohuratahi Road in the Whangamomona County a deputation of settlers waited upon the Minister of Lands, Hon. A. D. McLeod at Stratford yesterday. Mr E. Walter M.P. introduced the deputation which included the Wraomona County

Chairman, Mr N. U. ■(deland and some of the Councillors. Mr G. Gower a settler on Kohuratahi Road and a member of the County Council acted as spokesman and said the settlers desired to raise a loan for metalling by pledging their land. There had been a sufficient majority to carry the scheme and the Government had been approached for a 2 to 1 subsidy. However, because the majority of the properties were soldiers settlement lands the County Council could not see its way clear to place the request before the Local Bodies Loans Board as there was not sufficient security unless guaranteed by the Government. There was only one( freehold Farm which was the speaker’s. He understood the Government accepted no responsibility for the rates. “I have been there for 8 years” said Mr Gower. “and others for 20 years. That means that number of years in the mud. Are we going to remain in the mud. LAND FOR SETTLEMENT. Mr Cloland in answer to the Minister remarked that all the land was “land for settlement” except 2 Education leases.

Mr McLeod: Would the settlers agree to having the cost loaded up on their sections. NOT A PRECEDENT. The Minister pointed out th e problem had arisen in other parts of the Dominion and gave details of a case in the Hauraki district, where owing to special circumstances the Government had guaranteed the loan. It was a dangerous proceeding and was not meant to be taken, as a precedent. If the settlers were willing to sign up an agreement to have the amount added to .their lands he would do his best. It would probably mean an addition Of 5 per cent, to their rents.

Mr Gower: My place is freehold, but I will be glad to sell the freehold back to the Crown to get the road metalled. (Laughter). Mr Gower continuing remarked that with the exception of 5, the setters were dairying and because cf the state of the roads could not get their cream out during those seasons when t’ e prices were highest. The loss being incurred on butter fat would more than pay for the loan. The Whanga district was a young one, and there were not many miles of road metalled. The settlers were triers however and were doing their best. MANGAREI ROAD.

There was another road the Mangarei Road where the settlers desired to go In for a metalling loan for 169 chains of road. A contractor had agreed to do the work for £1142, which was very low considering the cost, was usually £ISOO a mile. But the Council could not entertain it he. cause the Crown would not accept responsibility. It was that state of affairs that was holding up the whole district.

The Minister hi reply said he recognised the dillicul'. ies of the set-

tlers and would have liked very much to have visited Whangamomona to discuss matters with them. He had 'tried to do so hut regretted he had found it impossible to arrange the trip on account of engagements on the following uay. The Government was going into the matter to see wnat cotud be done. Tney had reduced rents to almost nocuiug and had given exemption lor years ahead and had hoped that under those circumstances the settlers would have been able to meet their rates. Mr E. Walter M.P.; The rates on Mangarei Road have all been paid. LOCAL BODIES AND RISKS.

Proceeding, Mr McLeod said he did not desire to say anything that could be taiten as a threat, but the fact remained the local bodies were taking no risks. "It is putting ns in the position,” he said, “that we may have to consider recasting the votes giving a bigger share to soldiers.” Tne counties could not he freed from responsibility. He would see whether military votes could be given as straight out votes, and with this cud in view would discuss the matter with the Minister of Finance.

Mr Gower said the Council was now framing the estimates for the coming year, and these had to be sent in in a few weeks. "It rests with you whether w« are to have any metal or not. Mr McLeod: We eanont advance votes on oue hand and guarantee loans on the other. Mr Gower; If a-road goes through a Crown area it enhances the value of the land.

Mr McLeod; Do wo get any more rent?

In answer to the Minister, Mr Gower said the settlers would, he was sure, be willing to have the cost added to the value of the land. The Minister explained that such wqttld of course mean a permanent increase. “Ail right, boys,” he said, in conclusion, “I will sec what I can do. You have a sympathiser in me!”