ACCESS DEMANDED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 19, 30 October 1942, Page 5

ACCESS DEMANDED

PAROA RATEPAYERS POSITION THREAT TO WITHHOLD RATES An unusual attitude was taken up by a County ratepayer A. Ferguson, of Paroa, who in writing the Whakatane County Council at its meeting last Tuesday stated very definitely that no rates would ])e paid by him until access had been fixed. It was also stated that if work was not completed before the date when penalty accrued, penalty and correspondence will be ignored. Cr McCracken said it was not the Council's duty to find access in. this instance, but the Lands Department. He understood that there was an old road at the rear of the sandhills which however could not be regarded as satisfactory. He felt that the Council should not be prepared to accept Mr Ferguson's attitude regarding the non-payment of his rates The l Council was sympathetic and would assist in bringing the matter to the Minister of Lands, but actually it was not Its responsibility. The Council resolved that Mr Ferguson be advised his application for road access, necessary because of Orini Diversion, should be made to the Land Drainage Department, The Council did not recognise his views on payment of rates, and it was the Council's policy to enforce the payment and penalties in arrear.