POINTS OF VIEW

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 55, Issue 3989, 10 December 1937, Page 5

POINTS OF VIEW

OPINIONS OF OUR READERS. JACKSON STREET. • gi r ,_Allow me to draw the attention of the people of Te Awamutu to the present unsatisfactory condition of Jackson Street. Not long ago some £2OO, we are informed, was spent on this street, but as far as the residents are concerned the money has been absolutely thrown away, owing to the state of the outlet, to Sloane Street. A concrete footpath on one Side was provided, but only part of the way, this path being discontinued at the very part where it was most required. It is very noticeable that motor traffic has increased by 100 per cent, but pedestrians have decreased by 50 per cent, the people from other streets finding another way to town. Unfortunately the bulk of the people who live in the street cannot do so without going a long way round. The trouble point lies right behind Mr Hawkins' property, where during wet weather the water accumulates and forms a small lake. No drainage at all has been provided, and owing to the formation of the street the water cannot run away, and as there is no path at this very point, one must wade through the water and mud and take the ever-present risk of being splashed from head to foot by motoi cars and trucks. The road has also been very badly constructed at this point, the proof being that at least twice since the street was reformed, tar and gravel has been used without any success. The last time was only a few weeks ago, but now the road is as bad as ever again, and nothing has been done to drain away the water. I say without fear of any reasonable contradiction, that the condition of tlie street is no credit to the borough foreman or the Council; in fact, we were better off before the £2OO was spent. Now, Sir, if this is the condition of affairs, when the Borough Council is spending revenue, who will trust them with a loan of £42,000? To get any benefit from the money already spent on Jackson Street, drainage to carry off the water, and a continuous footpath to Sloane Street must be provided at once. The borough foreman, and several of the Councillors, are quite well aware of the condition of the street, but still nothing is done. Mr Editor, I am prepared to accompany you, after a fall of rain, so that you may have a look at this street for yourself, or any day I for that matter. The expense to complete the job cannot be so very great, but one thing is certain, it ought to be done at once. —I am, etc., , ROBIN HOOD.