THE COAST ROAD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4526, 12 February 1923, Page 4

THE COAST ROAD.

COUNCIL WANTS TOLL-GATE. DECISIVE ACTION. At Wednesday's meeting of the Thames County Council the question of a toll-gate for the Coast Road came up for consideration as the outcome of a letter front the County Chairman (Mr H. Lowe) stating that he had discussed with the District Engineer the possibility pf obtaining a substantial grant or subsidy towards the reconstruction of the road, but had been assured that nothing beyond the present provision could be made. The position was, therefore, that £750 on a £ for £ basis was all that could be obtained, and the council would have to find £750 before that could be secure'cl. To raise a loan for such, a small amount did not appear desirable. In view of the fact that the toll-gate proposal had been delayed until it was impossible to obtain relief during this summer, ne suggested that the Borough Council, or the motorists in the .town, should be invited to contribute, say £3OO, towards immediate improvements ; that the council make provision from rates ; and that a scheme he carried out on contract to the extent, of £l5OO on road improvements. He also suggested that the work should be done by contract. Cr. Blackett said that if put to a poll a toll-gate would go in by a very large majority. At a meeting at first

antagonistic to a toll-gate two votes had been taken, one on a proposal to put in a toll-gate and the other io take a poll on the question. The voting was even, but the chairman ol that meeting had given his casting vote iii favour of taking a poll. He (Cr. Blackett) suggested that the business men and motorists should be asked what they were prepared to contribute. Cr. Faithful said the matter had been held up for two years, and he considered that the toll-gate shotil i have been gone on with without consulting ' the ratepayers. After considerable discussion Cr. Faithful moved that the council go on with the steps necessary to enable the election of a toll-gate. Cr. Cox seconded the motion, whic.i was carried. Cr. Blackett offered to see the business men, and to ascertain the Bpiough. Council’s attitude, with a view of endeavouring to raise a sufficient sum to enable the council to got. the Government subsidy. His offer was accepted.