HIGHWAYS BOARD OFFER

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 12

HIGHWAYS BOARD OFFER

"A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY"

THE LOAN POLL

Mr. D. R. Hoggard, chairman of the Hutt. County Council, has made the following statement to "The Post" regarding the Paremata Bridge proposal:— "I do not know who comprise the committee which styles itself the Taupo Riding Vigilance Committee, but the members of this committee are evidently under a misapprehension as to the practice of the Main Highways Board. The board does not assume the whole financial burden in connection with main highways—even those which have been in existence for many years. " "It is quite unreasonable to expect the Main Highways Board to accept the whole burden of a new work, which, even if national- in character, will nevertheless confer special benefits upon the Taupo Riding. I should never have concurred in accepting the Main Highways Board's proposal had I thought it possible to get a larger contribution from the board. "During the last few days I have discussed the matter with the Minister of Public Works, and have now received ■ the following letter from him:— - ■ . - ■ ■■ •• "'Office of Minister of Public Works, "'Wellington, "'February 5, 1935. " 'The Chairman, '"Hutt County Council, Wellington. " 'Dear Sir,—Further to the interview you had with me; yesterday and your inquiry as to whether any assistance additional to that already offered your council could be expected towards the cost of the proposed Paremata Bridge and road to Plimmerton, I have to • advise- that as previously indicated to you I am unable to assist the project from funds under my control, nor does there seem any prospect than even.in the future the proposal would become one which could be entertained, by my Department. The assistance already offered your council, and on which your present loan proposals are based, was offered by the Main Highways.Board. In my view that offer can only be regarded as generous, and it provides a splendid opportunity for the ratepayers of the Taupo Riding to obtain this facility at a minimum cost to themselves. I have been informed by the chairman of the Main Highways Board that there would be no , prospect of the board offering a more liberal contribution, nor would it appear that any greater assistance could rightly be expected by your ratepayers.—Yours faithfully, . - . ■' " '(Sgd.) JOHN BITCHENER, '"Minister of Public Works.' "I am more than ever convinced that if Wednesday's loan, poll is not carried the Taupo Riding will remain without direct road access for many years to come. If the ratepayers of the Taupo Riding reject the Main Highways Board's offer the funds which the board has set aside for the project will be released for expenditure elsewhere where it would be better appreciated.".