ACCESS FOR RIVER SETTLERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 123, 27 May 1938, Page 6

ACCESS FOR RIVER SETTLERS

DELEGATION TO APPROACH MINISTER COUNTY COUNCIL AND DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE The transfer of the mail conltacl from steamer to road has been the root cause of settlers on the right bank of the Wanganui River being deprived of access. A cessation of tl. < boat service followed the loss of mail contract last year, and since that*time the only means afforded farmers for getting produce to market is when the steamer runs to take wool. Cream can be taken to factory by conveying it across the river and carrying it up on to the road on the east side. Recently the settlers affected forwarded a petition to the Wanganui Tourist and Development League, pointing out the position and requesting that the league should take action in the matter. The Waitotara County Council has discussed the question at various times, but they have found no practicable solution to the problem. The plight of the settlers is to b» brought to the notice of the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) on Tuesday next, when a delegation from the Tourist League and the Waitotara County Council will approach him. It has been indicated by the owners of the steamer service, Messrs R. S. Hatrick and Company, that a subsidy ot 11500 will be necessary lor a continuance ot the service. The attention of the Minister ii also to be drawn to the position obtaining concerning certain roads in the Waitotara County. County ratee v have proved insufficient in some ings to maintain open roads, and a Government grant will be necessary to carry on the work.