COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18021, 9 November 1920, Page 2

COUNTY ELECTIONS.

THE MANGAWHERO' RIDING. To the Editor. Sir, —The importance'' o£ a wise choice of representatives for the Mangawhero Riding at the county election on Wednesday, 19th inst., is my excuse for trespassing on your space. No reasonable exception can be taken to any one of the candidates nominated on .personal grounds, and under ordinary <ltrcumstances any three of those nominated would (I feel sure) make capable representatives. There is, however, one exception—Mr D. Ross. Mr Ross has large interests in the Waitotara County and is a member of the Waitotara County Council, and it is a fair question to ask Mr Ross if he (or any man) can serve two masters. It is also resonable for the ratepayers of the Mangawhero Riding to ask themselves whether it is fair to put Mr Ross in such an invidious position. One thing alone is sufficient to show that a difference of opinion may arise at any moment —a difference that may lead to serious results. I refer to the ferry at Upokongaro. What would happen in the event of a serious difference of opinion between the two councils if Mr "Ross a member of both? Would Mr Ross retire and leave the ratepayers unrepresented? Or which Council would he support? This is but one. of many questions that may at any time cause a dispute between the two counties. The construction of the Wancanui River Road cannot be delayed much longer. When it is seriously undertaken what will happen in regard to the settlers in tire ! Ahu Ahu Valley, and other'settlers along the river in the. Waitotara County, who must use the River Road. Will they merge in the Wanganui County, or will they contrii bute to the cost of construction and i maintenance of a road outside their own county? This the Waitotara Council recently refused to do when one of their own ratepayers sought an outlet through the Wanganui County. Again I ask, what will Mr Ross do if he is a member of both Councils, when these and similar' questions require consideration? Another matter of very great importance to every ratepayer in the Mangawhero Riding must be considered. For months past the present Council has been considering a progressive policy in the construction of very much better roads throughout the whole County.’ Plans are nearing completion which will enable the Council to place before the ratepayers for their decision a large loan. Very many bridges in the County are becoming rotten and must Soon be reconstructed. Many of our roads are, from different causes, quite unfit for modern traffic, and must be reconstructed and improved to meet reasonable requirements. Included In the loan proposals is a sum of £lO,OOO for the purchase of sites and tjie erection of roadmen’s cottages throughout the county. I believe these requirements can be attended to with very little (if any) additional cost to the ratepayers if the whole matter is carried out on efficient business lines.—l am, etc., ROBERT NEILSON Nov. Bth, 1920.