WAIAPU’S REQUIREMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2157, 13 August 1907, Page 2

WAIAPU’S REQUIREMENTS.

Mr. T. E. Sherwood, n member of the Wa.iai?u County Council, was in town on Saturday, on his way home after a three weeks’ absence in the South.

Whilst in AVollingjton, Mr Sherwood represented the County Council in preliminary work to oppose the inclusion of Waiapu in the rating area set ont in the Outer Harbor Enabling Bill. When the Bill connes before the Local Bills Committee on the 21st ■fust., he stated, in reply to a Times’ reporter’s inquiries, strong evidence will ho adduced to show that it is most unfair to impose a rate upon Waiapu. Generally, ho held the same views as were given expression to by Mr. C. A. DeLautour in a recent interview. Briefly stated it is contended that Gisborne is not the trade centre for the coast, Auckland being the distributing pout for its supplies; that the old harbor rate lias been paid for many years without compensating advantages to the district which is not ©ven allowed representation on the Harbor Board; that practically no fat stock is expected through Gisborne owing to the distance to travel; that at no distant date there must be an outlet on the Coast for the freezing trade, probably at Tokomarn, and possibly later on also further north at Hick’s Bay; that with the small steamer service Napier and Auckland serve the Coast quite as well for the' wool export trade. Evidence is to he tendered before the Committee by Messrs Arnold Williams (chairman of the Waiia.pu County Council), H. DeLautour (a member of tlie Counoil), and. a number of prominent ratepayers from Waiapu and the Tolaga Bay riding. “There is plenty of work before local bodies in our district,” commented Air. Sherwood, “and w© can make better use of rates in necessa'ry works than in paying rates on a harbor that is quite immaterial to us.” Mr. Reeves, of Tolaga Bay, also interested himself in the question at Wellington. Tlio subject of roads was brought up. Mr. Sherwood said that on the wholo the roads in his district are in a very bad state, partly of course due to the excessive rainfall. The County Council finds its revenue inadequate to keep pace with the growing demands, and the Government has not treated the district very liberally in the matter of grants. “In fact,” he remarked, “we have not the means to do much more than open up roads to give tile increasing number of back settlers outlets to tlie main trunk road. Any great amount of metalling is out of the question, but we hope to get the metalling done gradually.” Whilst in Wellington lie represented the state of affairs to the Hon. Mr. McGowan, pointing out oil behalf of the Waiapu Council the necessity of assisting tlie opening-up of the distrct by means of roads, and the fact that even the main thoroughfare bad been sadly neglected. A list of works totalling £4OOO or £SOOO was submitted to -tlie Minister, with the assurance that the requests were as moderate as the Council could make them in justice to the ratepayers. Mr. McGowan promised that the list would receive favorable attention.'-. „

The importance of getting a bridge constructed over the Waiapu was also urged uiion the Government by the deputationists. A safe crossing is urgently needed on the main route, the ferry being quite inadequate. Several lives have been lost in past years, says Mr. Sherwood, and the present is considered an opportune time to make the request when settlement is making 6iich strides and further land is being opened up. The Hon. Mr. Carroll promised his assistance, and accompanied the deputation when waiting upon the Hon. Mr. McGowan, who was asked to plaice £3OOO or £4OOO on the Estimates for the purpose. A fairly favorable reply was received, and the Settlers are very anxious to see the veto made. Sir Joseph Ward was also interviewed, and a request made that a residence bo erected for the postmistress at Waipiro. It is confidently expected that this request will be complied with.