THE MAIN ROAD.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 226, 19 January 1910, Page 5

THE MAIN ROAD.

Meeting at Ficpio.

meeting was held at Piopio on -Janu"afy 16th to consider the question o£ the Te Kuiti-Awakino road discuss the proposal contained in Department's letter to the Waitomo County Council. There was a good attendance and Mr O'Dwyer occupied the chair, Mr G. Elliott being appointed secretary. The chairman and Mr Elliott reviewed the steps which bad been taken by the settl?rs to have the work started and read the correspondence in connection with the agitation. A number of those present expressed themselves strongly on the latest move of the Department/which practically meant blocking the work entirely. The serious nature of the position of settlers who had gone in for the dairy factory was also pointed out.

The following resolution, proposed by Mr Elliott, and seconded by Mr Bevege, was carried unanimously: — "That this meeting of settlers and intending factory suppliers views with consternation the which has arisen in consequence of the recent financial statement revealed by the Public Works Department to the Waitomo County Council in connection with metalling the Te Kuiti-Awakino main read, more especially in face of the satisfactory statement made by the Minister to the deputation, and frequent requests of settlers for assistance. On the assurance of the Minister, a dairy factory is being erected costing some thousands of pounds, which Nrill be absolutely unworkable, and the settlers placed in a serious position during the coming winter. This meeting appeals for immediate relief from this impending crisis, and urges that the work of metalling the road be commenced without delay." Copies of the resolution were telegraphed to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Public Works, and Mr Jennings, Member for the district. On Tuesday morning the following message was received from the Prime Minister in reply:—"ln reply to your telegram covering resolution passed at a meeting of settlers regarding the metalling of Te Kuiti-Awakino road, the Minister of Public Works arrives here to-morro\y, and I shall be glad to place the resolution before him and ask him to give the representations contained therein his careful consideration."