RANGITIKEI COUNTY BOUNDARIES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 7 July 1908, Page 2

RANGITIKEI COUNTY BOUNDARIES.

PROPOSED ALTERATIONS

CR. BATLEY SPEAKS OUT.

At the Rangtikei County Council meeting on Saturday the question of alteration of boundaries was again brought forward. The pi'oposal is to take in a portion of the -Upper Wangaehu Road Board (part of the Wanganui county) which lies between Hautapu River and Erewhon Riding and including Mataroa. The request is made because the roads in this area are really a continuation of roads in the Rangitikei county, and of necessity must be used by ratepayers in the county. The upkeep of these roads has been sadly neglected by the Wangaehu Road Board, for the reason no doubt that they are on the extreme boundary line, but this was pointed out to be against the principle of local government.

Cr. Batley brought the matter forward, and first introduced Messrs: Jas. Bremner (member of Upper -Wangaehu Road Board) and Chas. Laidley, who had come down to support the proposal. He then went on to refer to the great necessity for the proposal being given effect to at once. The time had arrived when some action should be taken, and ho hoped something would be done before the Council adjourned its meeting. The roads running through the area proposed to be included in the Rangitikei county were in a disgraceful condition. He felt that he should express himself in stronger language, but hp would not do so at; the.Council table. It was a terrible state of things for the settlers, as traffic had been blocked for the need of proper expenditure. He wanted to see these roads under the control of the Rangitikei Council, and he was sure a better state of affairs would exist. The settlers wanted this, and why should they not receive some consideration? A .portion of this road was dangerous for traffic, and he had met with a. narrow escape from a serious accident while'in company with Mr "Stevenson, of the Loan and Mercantile Company, Wanganui. This accident occurred at a point about 2\ miles from Taihape (near Mc(3oll's), where the whole road dropped about 2ft. during the heavy rains of last spring, and had not since received proper attention. The Chairman explained that it would bo necessary for settlers interested to petition the Wanganui County Council. The request would be favourably considered by the Rangitikei Council. After a short discussion the following resolution was passed:—" Having heard the views of the deputation, from Upper Wangaehu Road Board with regard to the inclusion of a certain1 area of Wanganui county within the boundaries of Rangitikei county, this Council intimates its willingness to give the proposal its favourable consideration upon receiving a petition" from ratepayers of the said area, asking to be so included, and that a committee consisting of the Chairman and Crs. McGregor and Batley be appointed to" deal with the matter."