MAINTENANCE OF ROADS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 242, 13 October 1936, Page 6

MAINTENANCE OF ROADS

AN INTERESTING POINT (Special to "Chronicle.") RAETIHI, Oct. 12. During a discussion on the question of the Crown paying rates on Crown property, at Saturday's meeting of the Waimarino County Council, an interesting statement was made by the county clerk. The question arose out of who was responsible for maintaining the access to the Pakihi Development Settlement, the chairman pointing out that as the property was Crown land, would the Public Works Department maintain access, or who? The land was at present being farmed by the Government, under the closer settlement scheme, which Hon. F. Langstone, member for the district, was controlling. The Crown did not pay rates. The county clerk, Mr. Mabbot, then pointed out that the council was not compelled to maintain any road in the district. The only way they could be forced to do so was by an order by the Governor in Council. Cr. Duigan: I’ve wondered for a long time what we were here for. It was decided to approach the Minister when he visits the district, and endeavour to get a satisfactory arrangement made. The county engineer (Mr. Hogg) and Mr. Bell, of the P.W.D. (Raetihi) would confer on the matter prior to the visit of the Minister. The Chairman: There is no hope m the wide world of getting the land made available for rates.