THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1923. NETHERTON ROADS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4516, 17 January 1923, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1923. NETHERTON ROADS.

The shocking condition of the Netherton roads ’ has, apparently, at last been fully recognised, and. judging by the action taken at last Saturday’s meeting of the Netherton Ratepayers’ Association there is a possibility of substantial improvements being made in that riding within the next twelve months.- Meanwhile, temporary irepairs suggested by tire Hauraki Plains County Engineer are regarded as' likely to give some relief, and! at least prevent Netherton from being entirely cut off £rom Paeroa during the coming winter. The ratepayers, however, as well as their represertatives on the County Council, will row be well advised not for one moment to lose sight pfi the importance of having thieir lines of communication hot only kept open, but maintained in such a condition as to ren ler transport between their district md Paeroa easy of accomplishment. At present, though it is midsummer, Wilson’s' Road—the main artery—has in parts more the appearance of a bush track than a road communicat ns wit Jr one of the most important dairying districts in New Zealand. In fret, those who frequently have to .traverse it, and who know what the effects oi winter will be upon a road that is now in such a condition, are doubtful in their own minds as to whether it will be passable in three or f(>ur months’ time. It may be, of course, that the repairs to the old road suggested by the engineer will be sufficiently effective to keep this 1 line' of communication open. At the same time, the NetheFton Ratepayers’ Association nave obviously acted wisely in deciding to petition for an increase in -their roads loan by an amount sufficient to enable Wilson’s Road to be put into good order from end to end. No other course seems ppssible. Good roads are absolutely essential to the progress' of a farming community. They are, metaphorically speaking, the ajrteries essential to the development and life of the farming industry. With the acquisition of good roads the Hauraki Plains, as well as al) the towns and townships within ach, should, experience prosperity second to no other dairying district in the Dominion. And if the ratepayers keep tin’s fac.t steadily in view rapid progress must follow.

Tlie result of the French occupation of the Ruhr a.i’ea will be awaited witn interest by all who are broadminded .enough to be classed as “citizens of the world.’’ Recent cables indicated that France’s action in deciding to occupy this area would be strongly opposed, but this is apparently being

’ dispelled by the firm yet tactful manner in .which her military forces' are carrying out the work of; occupation. To many it. will be clear, despite Germany’s contention that French action must hinder reparations, that firmness is essential if Germany is to be compelled to pay. It is stated, in fact, that .Britain, while disapproving of France's policy of occupation, desires to act in co-operation with her as far as possible. There are, it is true, threats of strikes obviously intended to baulk Fjrance.’s intentions, but. it is not improbable that her action will result in a more satisfactory method of repayment ultimately being agreed to by Germany. A vacillating policy can achieve little where ths affairs of nations are concerned. France must at, least get credit Cor displaying determination, and it is not inconceivable that, had all the Allies taken a more determined stand from the day peace was declared,, Germany would by now have given more material indications of her intention to pay her debts.