ROAD BOARDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3984, 17 July 1915, Page 3

ROAD BOARDS.

DO THEY SERVE A GOOD PURPOSE?

.EFFORT TO BE A LADE TO BRING I'HDAI UNTO THE COUNTY.

'(die vexed question of Road Boards once again exercised the minds of the members of the Cook County Council at, their meeting yesterday. Cr. Tombleson, in accordance with notice, moved that the Council take into consideration the advisability of (-easing subsidies to Road Boards with a view to forcing them to merge in the County. He pointed out that the County paid out in subsidies to Road Boards last- year £B2O, which was a direct loss to the County roads. There were four Road Boards in the Cook County, and apart from the question ■as to whether they did or did not carry out their duties, he thought it would be for the good of all if the Boards merged in the Countv.

Cr. Witters seconded the. motion pro forma. He said' Air. Warren had brought up a statement- some years ago showing ,what the Council was losing each year through the existence of the Road Boards. He would like to hear Air. Warren on this point a ga i n.

Mr. Warren said that- at the present time the County was losing £B2O. Tile law provided that in Road districts the Council shall receive 5s and the Hoard 5s in the £ on all rates collected. "While there remained otic ltoad district no progress could be made. Cr. Witters said that unless they got all of the .Hoad Boards to merge i.t iv ou kli be no use, getting any of them to do so. It was either all or none. The Council would he on a better wicket if they bad more Hoad Heards, as far as Government subsidies were concerned.. Cr. Holden moved, ancli CY. Rcynolds seconded, an amendment to the effect, that the Hoad Hoards be allowed to remain as they were,. The Chairman pointed out that this was a direct n ogativiiT Cr. .Jones said there were some Hoad Boards which were doing really good; work. The Ormond Hoad Board and the Patutahi Hoad Board were doing splendid work. The Ormond Hoad Board had three properties vested in. it, and drew rents. Who, he askedi, woidd draw these rents if the Board merged in the Council? Cr. Lysnar said that the County could draw the rents, and spehd them for the benefit of the Ormond dis- ■ t-riet. At the instance of Cr. Witters, Cr. Tombk’son altered his motion to read that the Hoad Hoards in the County should!* be written to, pointing out the position to them, and inviting them to. merge.

Gr. Matthews said he had interviewed- the ratepayers of the Patutahi Road district, and they were strongly opposed to merging. They wanted to administer their own affairs. The Patutahi Hoad Board had the Patutahi quarry vested, in it. If some scheme could be shown to the ratepayers, of the Hoad district that their interests would be safeguarded they-might come in. Or. Witters said that Cr. Matthews 3gas making a reflection on himself as Member for the riding. Surely Cr. 'Matthews could point out to the ratepayers that the member. for the riding wouldl safeguard their interests.

Tbe> motion to refer the .matter to the Hi>ad: Boards was carried. At Cr. Tombleson’s instance, it was agreed that the chairman and Crs. Tomblcson and Witters should interview the members of the various Hoad Hoards and place the position before them.