THE WAY OUR RATES ARE EXPENDED.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2107, 24 November 1880, Page 3

THE WAY OUR RATES ARE EXPENDED.

The following letter appeared in this morning’s issue of the “ Press ” : TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. _ Sir, —“ A penny saved is a penny gained ” is a well-known proverb, and it has often occurred to me that with a little attention our Boad Boards might save their unfortunate ratepayers several hundreds of pounds. The climate of New Zealand is particularly adapted for luxurious growth, and gorse, of which the greater part of the hedges are composed, seem to flourish abundantly. Travellers must often have been struck with this fact, as it not only grows well where it is planted, but also on the roads, to their annoyance, and the expense of the district. The remedy is simple, but it is never enforced. If the Boad Boards would cause the hedges to be properly trimmed the nuisance of which I complain would cease, but it is otherwise —the hedges are allowed to grow, and the roads, especially those not in constant use, are quickly becoming blocked up to the increased cost of the ratepayers, as the water cannot escape, the wind cannot dry the roads, the traffic is confined to one place (causing frequent repairs), and the gorco has eventually to be grubbed at the cost of the Boad Boards. One of the many roads upon which it has been my misfortune to travel was Shand’s road, and upon this, near Mr Bowen’s and the Middleton Estate, I found the gorse rapidly taking possession of the thoroughfare. It is almost impossible for two vehicles or stock to pass. Why is this ? Surely our Boad Boards ought to see after this, as it is fast becoming a perfect nuisance. My object in writing is to draw the attention of the Boad Boards to this prevailing and largely increasing evil and expense, and of the Biccarton Bead Board in particular. Yours, &0., A Traveller.