ROAD BOUNDARIES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 637, 24 January 1914, Page 5

ROAD BOUNDARIES.

The Editor. Sir, —I note with satisfaction that several correspondents have taken the field on the question of district ro»d boundaries, also your leading article dealing with same. I would ask the ratepayers of the Awakino County to remember that the road which the Puhlic Works Department is pushing on between Awakino and Marokopa under the pretence of a main road which is about 40 miles in length and has the large number of about ten settlers residing along it, whilst the uncompleted road right through the northern portion from Mangaohae to Marokopa passes by the doors of Bettlers, all of whom are residing on their Crown sections. Where does this main road begin, pass through and end, and what are the benefits commercially? It begins nowhere, passes through the never-never land, and ends nowhere, consequently has no commercial interests. Settlers along this route may think I am objecting to their having a road, and I want to assure them that I have no objection to any settlers having access, for in that direction I have had my experiences; but what I am pointing out is the neglect of our part of the county, that, with completed roads, would give access to the world, and be the nucleus of a vigorous scheme of commercial activity. For the reason that Auckland is the great distributing centre for the King Country settlers have invoked the aid of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce with to the completion of the Mangakokopu and Pomorangi roa'-s to givn access to the Main Trunk railway. A lengthy letter was forwarded to that body a few weeks ago accompanied by map of the district, pointing out tne position and showing the attitude adopted in endeavouring to divert our trade interest!. The following reply has been received from Mr A. J. Denniston, secretary :—" Your letter of the 6th inst. was considered by my council at its last meeting, and elvoked considerable discussion. A study of the map which you sent us certainly bears out your contention that the route Auckland via Te Kuiti is the natural outlet for your district, and we shall be glad .f we can help you to obtain improve means of communication. My council thought it desirable to obtain some further light on the subject, and with this object decided to send on your letter to the Minister of Public Works, asking him to look into the matter. On rece pt of his reply I will again communicate with you." lam mere than pleased that settlers are beginning to recognise that dust has been thrown in their eyes, and that now they are waking up to facts that they will show splendid solidarity in changing the venue of public works control.— I am, etc.,

E. P. HALLY Moeatoa, January 21st, 1914.