MANAWAHE ROADS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 43, 30 October 1946, Page 5

MANAWAHE ROADS

AN APPALLING STATE

SETTLERS REQUEST IMPROVEMENTS

At the last meeting of the Whakatane County Council the condition of the Manawahe roads, which a letter from Federated Farmers of N.Z. described as 'appalling' was discussed. The letter continued, saying that it was understood that a considerable grant was made for these roads yet nothing seemed to be done to put them in fit condition for the community. Today, the road was a menace, and travellers used it only at a risk.

Cr McCready went on to explain that the residents of Manawahe admitted that the rates drawn from that section were low, but would be content to have them raised if they could have some say in how the money was spent. In their opinion, they could get better value if they had some control. He was. inclined to think the same. Without disparaging anyone's efforts, he saw no reason why they should not have a 'pop' at it.

' Cr McCracken said that the road was in a shocking state, and the two loops particularly needed urgent attention. The cream was right in the flush, and at present, the truck was not arriving at the factory, often until late in the day. Cr Burt agreed, but added that over half of the money allocated to that section had already been spent, and there were still six months to .go. The bad road was partly due to stock breaking the edges away. Cr McCready contended that the Council could not advocate more rates when it was endeavouring to decrease rating, but the Manawahe settlers were finding that the only way was to assist themselves. Cr Butler also thought the idea a good one, commenting that although the settlers did not want an exorbitant rate, they did want something better than they had. They did not want the settlers on the fiat to carry them, and the Council should do what they could to help them.

: The Council decided that a. committee consisting of the Chairman (Mr J. L. Burnett), Cr Burt, the County Engineer and County Clerk should meet the settlers at the first convenient opportunity and discuss the matter with them.