THE PARAPARA ROAD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18822, 12 July 1923, Page 5

THE PARAPARA ROAD

MEETING OF SETTLERS. DISCUSS METALLING SCHEME. (Own Correspondent). A well attended meeting was held in Mr R. Wilkins’ wool-shed, Ore Ore, when, with the exception of absentee land-holders, all settlers on the unmetalled portion of the Parapara road were present. The object of the meeting was to discuss the metalling proposal, and Mr T. E. McLean, councillor for the riding occupied the chair. Mr H. Wright read the provisional estimates, supplied by the counlv engineer (Mr H. L. Hogg) of the amounts necessary to complete the unmetalled portions of this important thoroughfare. From the figures given it would appear that a sum of £12,000 would have to be provided to put the road in good order. It was pointed out that, assuming the Government found a £ for £ subsidy, it would leave a sum of £6OOO to be provided by the settlers. The settlers present were particularly anxious that this road should be metalled as quickly as possible, and while not adverse to paying an amount for rates for the completion of this important work equal to that now being borne by the settlers below Kakatahi, they considered the rate necessary to raise this amount of money, together with the amount they are now paying, wou.d be too heavy an impost on them. Mucn discussion ensued, and it was finally decided that should the local bodies concerned formulate some concrete proposals at the forthcoming conference to be held :n Wanganui, the settlers present were willing to find a fair proportion of the money necessary to complete the metalling scheme of the .’arapara in order that a good road be provided from Wanganui to Raetihi and thereby connect this fastdeveloping courtly and important stock centre with its natural port. Mr D. D. McLean, Ore Ore, was appointed the Ohotu "lessees’ representative at the conference.