DEVELOPING THE BACK BLOCKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 602, 13 September 1913, Page 4

DEVELOPING THE BACK BLOCKS.

The Editor. Sir, —In reply to an interview in your columns from Mr Scholeß, chairman of the Waitomo County Council, I wish to point out that the Btaatementa made therein have no foundation in | fact. Mr Schuleß and myself waited ion the Advances Board in regard to urgent loans for the district. The president, on our representations agreed to advance as much of each loan as the board could and would agaee to give, the balance later on if funds would permit. Now, Mr Scholeß says that if the balances of theße loans are raised from outside sources they would lose the subßidy. Thiß, I wish to point out, is entirely misleading and incorrect. If the council were compelled to raise the balance outside (which is quite unlikely) it would carry the subsidy. He then sayß: "Under existing circumstances it is impossible to promote loans for any save small works." This also ia incorrect as new provision ia made for the larger loans. It is the desire of the present Government to find money to develop the back blockß and asßist the out beck settlers with all possible speed; that their claims must have first consideration, and in support of this I should like to quote the following figures:—During the Ward Administration a limit was placed on advances to local bodies and during last year the Waitomo County wa«. only granted £2905. Since April Ist of this year loans to the amount of £16,175 have been provisionally approved. In conclusion, 1 should like to point out that although the late Government when borrowing a million a year from the Post Office were compelled to place n limit on to local bodies advances the present Government, although unable to borrow one penny from the Post Office,grant loans to the extant of £16,175 in one year. Mr Scholeß can reßt assured that the development of the backblocka iB our most urgent desire, and everything will be done to assist the local bodies in this direction.—l am, etc.* C. K. WILSON.