OHOPE A LIABILITY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 4, 7 September 1945, Page 4

OHOPE A LIABILITY

Sir—As the residents of Ohope are quite willing to help themselves if given \the opportunity. I would ask. those benevolent institutions (County and Borough) why don't they back these present day bac'k-blockers to help themselves. We (Ohope) have asked to be allowed to control our own destiny. The Government

turned us down when we demanded a Town Board, and the County turned us down when we asked for a separate riding In both cases paro-> chial self-interest of those concerned has been the apparent trouble. Now Sir if it was not for the local residents of Ohope there would not be the same interest taken in it as a seaside resort, whereby the town of Whakatane is reaping the benefit in trade and tourist traffic. So I while town and country are benefitting the moral and financial assistance is lacking to those who would take the responsibility. Thanking Cr Hunter for his good intentions,

but we do not want amalgamation with l the Borough to add to our indebtedness. Hospital taxation is quite enough for the present. If Oliope was given the lead it wants f it would be a financial asset to itself and the surrounding district. Cr Burt says we have a grader on the road! Yes' but it is 'degrading.' So what? According to our County Councillors; we (Ohope) are on the. charitable aid. According to Cr Bur-» nett's statement, 1% miles of road has cost £515 or £8 10s; a chain per year for upkeep a wonderful record for a road without any obstacles.' Seeing it has cost £200 over our rates what about the special rate on the £80 000 loan (1910) of 1 l-8d for which Ohope has had no allotment and is still paying. And what amount has Ohope had by way of general grants during the last few years? Now I think this goes to show that we want moral support and less ambiguity of purpose. Yours etc.;, W. BRADSHAW,