WALTON RATEPAYERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16780, 24 April 1926, Page 3

WALTON RATEPAYERS.

MEETING WITH COUNCILLORS. SEVERAL MATTERS DISCUSSED. At a meeting of the Walton ratepayers Mr F. 10. Harris, who was in the chair, explained that the Settlers' Association hail called the meeting in order to discuss several questions of interest. These were: (1) The coming county election and the matter.of the, nominations of candidates; (1) the metalling of the Waircre Soldiers' Settlement Road, which should be done before the winter; and (li) the proposed road through Mr Givcn's property. These matters were of great importance to Walton, and the ratepayers should know the position in connection with these matters. He called on Mr McLean, riding member of the Piako County Council, to explain the position, and what the council was doing in regard to carrying them to a final issue.

Mr McLean explained re Givcn's , Road that nothing had yet been done. He had moved in the council that the road be put through as soon as possible. The council had been trying for three years to make satisfactory arrangements for a loan for the Waircre soldiers' road, but owing lo the trouble about soldiers' rates the money could not bo scoured. This matter was now being overcome, and unless something unforeseen happened the loan will be raised, and the metalling eomplclcd in the near future. 'Mr Moroncy asked if the Walton ratepayers had to pay the same rate for th'o proposed new bridge at Te Aroha as the ratepayers who arc near the bridge? Mr McLean said unfortunately they would. It had been decided by the casting vote of the chairman. However, the rate would not- be very much—loo acres would pay about 3s. Re the proposed new offices for the county: There was a good bit of opposition at this end on the proposal to build at Te Aroha. In any case, wherever they were built, if erected at a cost of £3ooo'the council considered'it would save £3OO a year on what it was costing at present.

Mr Nicholls asked if there had been anv mention to build the offices at Waitoa?

Mr McLean said it had been mentioned, but he did not think seriously. Mr McLean added the ratepayers should make every effort to pay their rates, as all rales paid carried a Government subsidy. If a ratepayer is in arrears it would be better for him to pay the current year's rates and arrange for the back rates lo stand over, so as to have the money to draw the present year's subsidy. Mr Southee asked if it was not a fact that the specifications for the Walton metalling slated the size of the metal to be 2in, yet some of the stones were Gin in size, and were lying loose all over the road? Mr McLean said that was a fact, and when complaint was made the crusher would bo closed, but it would bo gradually opened again. One contractor was a noted offender. Mr Southee said it was not so bad where the metal was blinded properly. Mr McLean said he knew what should be done to make a good road. New metal wanted rolling properly, and at the right time, but the roller was -wanted in 100 many places at once.

Mr W. Mapp asked if there was any chance of the Waircre Road being metalled before winter. Mr McLean said there was, as the chairman was agreeable lo go on with the work right away, the bank to advance the money Hie loan was procured. In answer lo Mr Southee, Mr McLean said it was a fair thing to ask those advocating the construction of Givcn's Road to define a rating area. Mr Lock proposed that the matters pertaining to Givcn's Road be pushed on as fast as possible.—Carried. The chairman asked Mr McLean if it was his intention to again stand as a candidate?

Mr McLean said he would like to have another term as a lot of works which the riding had in hand were incomplete, and he would like lo finish them up before he went out. A general discussion then took place on the administration of the works in the county.

Mr Moroncy pointed out the unsatisfactory work clone on Kromm's Road contract, the hall steps and the overhead bridge. ' Mr McLean defended the engineering staff and said that the works of the county were efficiently carried out.

In answer to Mr Lock, Mr Harris said that the Settlers' Association was not taking any active part in running a candidate.