WAITOMO COUNTY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 41, 2 August 1907, Page 3

WAITOMO COUNTY.

Cha£rm?.r,.'3 vhii to V/clliagJoß. The opening of new country, and the vast amount of work necessary to be accomplished by the settlers, particularly in the matter of provide ing and maintaining roads, renders the labours of the County Council, in such localities, cf paramount importance to the progress of the district. Even in places where no unusual features arc presented, the task of the local body is a difficult one, and in a district which is confronted with the Native land question and sparse settlement, the position is all the more unenviable. The Waitomo County Council has been working under great disadvantages since its inception, and in its endeavours towards sound progress has been greatly hampered on account of being unable to come to a definite and satisfactory understanding with the Government in regard to many matters affecting the interests of the settlers. In order to better the position, it was finally resolved to endeavour to secure the co-operation of neighbouring local bodies similarly situated, and confer with the Government Departments interested. Delegates were appointed by the Kawhia, Raglan, and Waitomo Councils and Major Lusk, Chairman of the Waitomo Council, proceeded to Wellington last month to represent. the County. A meeting of the Council was called for Tuesday last, and the Chairman submitted a report of the work accomplished in Wellington. . The report was taken in Committee, but in an interview with Major Lusk subsequently, the Chronicle representative was furnished with an account of the various matters dealt with. Upon arrival at Wellington the King Country representatives learned that the Counties Conference was about to sit, and it was necessary to join the Association in order to have a voice in the proceedings. This course was adopted. The chief work of the Conference was the discussion by the members of the proposed Local Government Bill, copies of which were circulated. Afterwards, a report was made embodying recommendations of the Conference, and submitted to the Premier, by Mr Jull, the president. The Premier promised to give the recommendations favourable consideration. However, he doubted if the Bill would go through this session, as so much other business had to be dealt with. Among the features of the proposed Bill is the proposal to classify Counties, so that those not opened up shall be treated differently from the older established Counties. In new districts it is proposed that the general rate shall be subsidised £ for £. The rate in the older Counties shall not be subsidised, but provision will be made for enabling them to borrow money at a very low rate of interest —probably 3% per cent. The majority of the delegates were in favour of the subsidy being granted on the general rate, but Major Lusk opposed this. He pointed out that his Council had purposely struck a very low general rate in order to levy heavy special rates for the purpose of paying interest and sinking funds on substantial loans. Unless the loans were made large they would be no use in Counties like Waitomo, where so much had to be done. Now, the position would have to be reconsidered, and a much heavier general rate would have to be struck in order to obtain as great a subsidy as possible. After the Conference had concluded a deputation consisting of Messrs Tennings and Greenslade, M's.H.R., the Hon. W. W. McCardle, M.L.C., and Messrs Lusk and Shaw waited on the Acting-Minister for Public Works with reference to general County matters. The deputation was somewhat at a loss in consequence of the Estimates not being ready yet, and could only urge the prosecution of an active policy generally. A special request was made that the Government should do substantial work on main roads. The matter of a loan and subsidy for the County was also discussed, and it was pointed out that the work was so great that a subsidy was necessary in order to have it accomplished. Mr McGowan expressed himself sympathetically, but could give no specific promise without further enquiry. The bridge over the Waipa River at Otorohanga was mentioned and Mr McGowan promised to give the matter favorable consideration. The Council would have to bear a certain portion of the cost, and the Department would assist as far as possible. The procuring of stone crushers for breaking metal in different districts was urged, and the Acting-Minister promised to consider the matter and consult with the Chief Engineer on the point. The Engineer was also interviewed, and expressed his willingness to support the request. Mr McGowan expressed himself favourably in the matter of a more permanent finance, and greater assistance to unopened districts. Major Lusk also interviewed the Postmaster r General with regard to the Te.Kuitl Post-office and telephone facilities, The Minister stated that he would note the objections with regard to erecting the post-office on the western side of the .railway. A building was to be erected shortly, and the wishes of the residents would be considered. It was also pointed out to the Minister that in most country districts the telephone offices were treated as telephone bureaux, and a promise was made that the same privilege would be granted to this district.

The Native Minister was interviewed with reference to the hindrances to completing Native leases. Mr Carroll stated that a Bill would be introduced during the present session dealing broadly with these matters. He w,as, aware of the unintentional obstacle with regard to minors, and that would be removed.