WAIMAIRI ROADS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19166, 24 November 1927, Page 10

WAIMAIRI ROADS.

TO THE EDITOS OT Tim PBBSS. Sir,—l notice'in your issue of Tuesday, under the heading, "A Thieving Borough," you report the chairman of the Wairaairi Council as having remarked: "Tho Riccarton roads are a disgrace, and ours compare favourably with any under the circumstances." It may be that the gentleman in question was endeavouring to make cut a good case for his Council while shielding himself behind the "un4er the circumstances" qualification—but the fact remains that if the Riccarton roads are a disgrace, those of Fendalton are no better, and, with one or two favoured exceptions, compare very unfavourably with those of other districts around Christchurch, which has been acknow-, ledged by certain members of the Waimairi Council itself. Rates during the past few years have mounted up in a disgusting manner, quite disproportionate to the services rendered, and to a large number of ratepayers it is apparent that a clean sweep of the old Council is required.—Yours, etc.. FENDALTONIAN. TO THB PBITOa OF THK PRESS. Sir, —So glad "Eiccarton Eatepaycr" read with interest tho discussion on the attempt to grab a portion of Waimairi territory by false pretences. As far as the roads are concerned, the answer is the condition of the roads themselves, and anyone can appreciate the difference by travelling over them. I can't quite understand why "Eiccarton Eatepayer" does not like stones being thrown at his roads, because it might help to fill in a pot-hole or two, and they want it pretty badly. To the point, however—the alleged benefit of lower rates. If the borough take over they will collect under their present rate £2234, against the Waimairi County Council's collection of £706 per annum. Eight ratepayers' rates will be decreased by £2 10s 9d and 113 ratepayers' rates will be increased by £1531. Better municipal facilities and milch cows that pay for the upkeep of roads in the Styx and Burwood ridings are grossly untrue and misleading statements. Eatepayers can find out what their rates will be increased or decreased if they join the Eiccarton Borough, by ringing up the Waimairi County Council's offices, Papanui.—Yours, etc., '* HENEY KITSON. Christchurch, November 23rd.