Sheep versus Mails in Amuri.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4995, 6 July 1894, Page 4

Sheep versus Mails in Amuri.

[Special to the "Stab."] WELLINGTON, July 5. There was some emphatic talk this after* noon on the subject of a block on tbe coach road between-Waiau and Eaihoura. Mr Meredith, who asked a question on the subject, remarked that the portion of the road blocked by landslips was within the jurisdiction of. the Ainuri County Council, and that body , had done nothing to clear the rosd for traffic. He read a communication he had received from the mail contractor, Btating that it was impossible to get the mails through. The Minister of Lands eaid it was unfortunate that the members of the Amuri County Council belonged to ■ one class of the community, that known as squatters or sheep-owners, the "social pests" of, New Zealand. (Laughter.) These gentlemen cared nothing for keeping road communication open. They were only concerned about the state of the roads at a certain time of the year, when they wished to get their wool to market. The Government would try to compel these gentlemen to do their duty. Mr Meredith said the Minister had scarcely replied to that part of his question in which he asked what immediate Bteps the Government proposed taking in the matter. Mr M'Kenzie said he intended to write to the Chairman of the County Council asking that body to remove the obstruction that exists. If the Council should refuse or delay to do so, then the Government would have the work done and charge the cost against the local body. This statement was received with signs of approval from the House.