KEREPEEHI ROADING

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5474, 13 September 1929, Page 4

KEREPEEHI ROADING

KAIKAHU METALLING SUBSIDY LOAN FOR TOWNSHIP. The following letter from the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, was received by the Hauraki Plains County Council at its monthly meeting yesterday, through Mr A, M. Samuel, M.P. : — “Referring to the representations concerning the metalling of Kaikahu Road and several streets in Kerepeehi township, which were made to me by Messrs Harris and Mahoney, of the Hauraki Plains County Council, I have to advise that this matter has now been inquired into, and I find that the proposals which were submitted to my department by the local body, and which covered the metalling of the total length of 123 chains of Kaikahu Road allowed for an expenditure of £2957 14s. “The council, however, undertook work on the section of 86 chains up to the boundary of the township only, so that, on the rates quoted in the proposals, the expenditure should amount to £2,068, and the contributions from the Government will be £689 from the Lands Miscellaneous Vote and a’ l like amount from the Public Works Roads Fund Vote.

“ I have carefully. considered the council’s request for payment of the Government’s contribution towards the cost of this length without awaiting completion of the balance of 37 chains of the road which is situated within the Kerepeehi township area, and I am of the opinion that the council’s request is reasonable. I have pleasure therefore in informing you that Cabinet approval has now been obtained to authorisation of a total sum of £1,378 (£2 for £1) and the necessary authorities are now being issued direct to the council.

“ Concerning the metalling of the several streets in Kerepeehi township I have decided that the Government would not be justified in providing funds for this purpose at the present time, but, immediately the settlers within that area finalise arrangements with the Hauraki Plains County Council for the raising of the loan necessary to cover one-third of the cost of metalling the remaining length of 37 chains of Kaikahu Road, the Government subsidy on a £2 for £1 basis towards the cost of that length will be made available. The question of metalling the other roads can receive further consideration when Kaikahu Road has been completed.’” Cr. Fisher observed that this would mean two special loans unless a loan was raised for the Kaikahu road and the township roads on the understanding that the Kaikahu road would be metalled and the township roads left until the subsidy, was collected. He doubted whether a loan on those conditions would be sanctioned. The chairman suggested meeting the settlers to go into the and a committee comprising the chairman, riding member, and clerk was set up for the purpose.