MAIN TRUNK ROADS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 1290, 15 May 1907, Page 2

MAIN TRUNK ROADS.

SETLERS' DIFFICULTIES

DELIVERY OF MAILS

Mr. Remington, M.H.R. for Rangitikei has received further complaints from'settlers in his constituency of the " frightful state of the means of communication between Raurimu and Raetihi and Waiouru and Raetihi." One day last week the mail coach from VYaiouru to Ohiakune became bogged on the Karioi road. It took some time fco dig the coach out, and the mails were delivered at Ohakune seven hours late. " As may be imagined," says Mr. Kemington, " there is nmr no coach road or dray road in that vicinity—it is the ' impassable ' road." . " On the Horopito Valley road, which is tho main road from Raetihi to Auckland, one and three-quarter miles remain unmetalled. This is the weak link in the chain which renders the 'whole road impassable for the carriage of passengers or goods to the district, -"-he Waimarino County Council askud the Government to complete the road before •winter. A reply was received that the Government 'had done a great deal of work there, and that it could not see its way to fall in with the Council's request. This was for a£l for £1 subsidy, the road costing £1200 to metaj. The Government offered £300 subsidy. As this contribution was inadequate, nothing was done. The Council communicated with me to see the Minister for Public Works, asking him if he could increase tho amount to £000. 1 waa able to telegraph to the Council on Saturday to proceed with the work as far as the funds already authorised would allow, and, when the 'work is well under way, I was advised to again communicate with the Minister, when tho matter would be further considered with a view to relieving the situation. If this £600 übsidy had been authorised before, -when the Council first imade its offer to find tho other £600, the present state of affairs would not have existed. This is. an illustration of how small things lead to trouble and irritation. " I have advocated doing away altogether with the mail service on roads which cannot be traversed m winter time in that locality, and instead to send the mails daily from Taihape to Rangitaua by the Public Works engine, delivery to be taken at Rangitaua tor Ohakune and Raetihi. The Under-Sec-retary for Post and Telegraphs, Mr. D. Robertson, on learning of the position of affairs in regard to the mail services, telegraphed to the Chief Postmaster at Wanganui, instructing him to, ascertain in the Raetihi and Ohakune districts if suitable arrangements can be made for the conveyance of the mails as indicated, and if it is possible to do so at a reasonable-figure, If this can be arranged, there is iio doubt that effect will be eiven to it as from June Ist next."— 17 New Zealand Times,"