NETHERTON ROADS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4600, 12 September 1923, Page 2

NETHERTON ROADS.

BETTER CONDITIONS WANTED. DEPUTATION TO 1 COUNTY COUNCIL. A deputalon of Netherton ratepayers. comprising Messrs J. Munro, H. Paul, M. A. Carter, C. H. Potter, A. S. Fisher, and B. J. Coldicutt, waited upon the Hauraki Plains County Council yesterday in regard to a good roads scheme for the riding. Cr. Hare introduced the deputation, and said that they were settlers of Fisher’s, Munro’s, and the School roads. Mr Munro said that, a poll had been carried, but it was not sufficient to metal the roads. The roads, were impassable, and many settlers who desired to be present were unable to get out) owing to the state of the roads. They desired to have all the roads metalled, and to that fend desired to know what money was available. The clerk said that the work already done was mistakenly allotted by Mr Dillon to one road only. The amount authorised was £3434 12s, and of this, £676 3s 3d had been spent. The proposals under .which the previous loan was raised were discussed. Crs. Hayward, Madgwick, and McLoughlin urged that 4in of metal on a new road was not sufficient. The deputation pointed out that the ratepayers desired all the money spent on the roads. Then they could meet and decide what extra amount of money ,was needed to complete the job. Cr. Madgwick said that the ratepayers should raise the loan now. The available money could be spent before the new loan was lifted. Cr. Hare suggested that the engineer prepare estimates. The ratepayers could then ask the Council to raise the. loan. He pointed out that there was £loo' on account of £lOOO on the estimates for the School road. Cr. McLoughlin said that the further loan should be authorised before the previous one was: spent, otherwise those settler,s .whose road was metalled would vote against the proposal.. The Council should protect all the settlers. Mr Fisher urged that the money already available be spent as soon as possible, so as to have the roads good for next winter. He thought that if the metalling was delayed till the further loan was raised an unnecessary delay would he caused. Ho was sure that the further loan would be carried. Cr. Parfitt urged that the available loan be expended as early as possible, and on the specifications for the first . loan. Crs. Hayward and Mayn said that It would be foolish to adhere to the old specifications. Four inches of metal on a new road would only last a couple of years. Mr Munro asked when a poll could be taken. Cr. iMller said that, the poll could be held six weeks after the Council authorised it. This could not be done until the engineer had got out his estimate. In reply to Cr. Hare the Clerk said that £2OOO was in hand and he was taking steps to raise the £7OOO balance. Cr. Hare pointed out. that filOOO 1 ha fl to be spent on the main road from the school to the store. The Council assured the deputation that the engineer would prepare the estimates as early as possible.