CORRESPONDENCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 August 1901, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

EASTOWN AND SEDGEBROOK

ROADS

To the Editor

Sir,—Prom letters in the Press and rumours in the air re loan for streets in Eastiown and Sedgebrook, it is evident that some misapprehension exists in the minds of some ratepayers respecting the intentions of the Road Board. Please give me a few lines to put ratepayers in possession of the truth. After the Board has carefully considered the financial position, and bearing in mind all the pressing requirements for roads, drains, culverts, and other necessaries to keep up with the demands of a district which (notwithstanding the, want of roads and very defective drainage) has grown more rapidly than any other round Wanganui during the last two or three yeai's, and knowing that the ordinary rates would be altogether inadequate, the Board came to the conclusion that nothing short of a loan, and a decided step forward, would meet the case. The Board then decided to take all the most important roads and streets in Eastown and Sedgebrook, and to submit a proposal to. the ratepayers to borrow a sufficient sum to form and metal the streets named in the special order. There are several small streets not included, which tlbe Board believe can be made out of ordinary revenue, as settlement takes place or the necessity arises for them being made. Tho Board fead some difficulty in fixing a special rating area which would be fair to all, and although pot quite perfect, all will admit that it is as fair and reasonable a boundary as could be _ drawn. In going over the plans and. placing the different streets on the schedule of the loan, it was found that a small narrow lane (about 5 chains fong and half chain wide) lay between Tinirau and Nixon streets, wfadch streets it was proposed to connect. IB was also foupd that by taking a small portion of Ikamoana Avenue, and -also a small portion of Kepa street (which are both 1£ chains wide), the same point would be reached—that is, to connect Tinirau and Nixon streets. The latter has been adopted by the Board, and surely no sensible person will question fiheir action in tlhis matter, for even though a half chain road is sufficient for present requirements,' it is safe to say that in a very few years it would be altogether insufficient, and the Board mean to lay the foundation so that when'others take their place in the years to come, the present members will not be ashamed to look back upon the work they, have done. In conclusion, lei; me say though' the Board wishes to have two polling booths, the law restricts them \to one only, which must be in ' some central position in the district.—l am, etc., ROBT. NEILSON.