THE SALE OF ROADS IN MANCHESTER BLOCK.

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 132, 30 April 1891, Page 2

THE SALE OF ROADS IN MANCHESTER BLOCK.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAB, . Sir, — Some time ago the Manchester Road Board decided to close and sell & number of roads in their district, and now give notice to ratepayers to meet them on Saturday next, May 2nd, (hour not ; mentioned), for the purpose of adopting, or rejecting, their proposals. I do not know the rule by which their proposals : are adopted or rejected," but Ido think it y a serious matter to; the general public to close any road in the district, and they should certainly object; to such proposals. . It may be advantageous to a few settler* „■ to have roads that Jead through their, , properties closed, as it will save; them the } expense of fencing, and also give them a , few acres of land on the cheap-r-without competition ; but to the bulk of the people it will \be nothing less :■ than : a calamity^ and the whole business smacks strongly of the "land we left behind us," where workmen and farmers have to go miles round to get to their work, or markets; .and all lo spare the wide domains of the rich. If it be urged that the purpose of the Board is merely to lessen its expenditure and obtain,. by the sale of such roads, funds for constructing main lines, yet evan these consiclir tions cannot jus ;ify or excuse the sale or' pubJo road-. All * the roads hi question, tha., 1 know of, *■ are deared and are no expense .0 the Board at present, and how-: much roadway will the proceeds of, their sale conf struct and mefail ? A very wee bit ; and - the whole present, and future population } of the district are to be inconvenienced tja/ accommodate a small minor. ty, or otherwise for a small teai^ocary gam. In countries where land email does not obtain, there are usually but three generations from shirt sleeves, to coat sleeves, and gentleman who give their consent now to the sale of certain of our--1 roads are providing long and needless, tramps for their own posterity, who will 3 doubtless be the blue-blooded navvies of. the future. — I am &c, > Looking Backward and: Forward.