THE Kawhia Settler FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1906, THE HARBOUR TELEPHONE.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 275, 7 September 1906, Page 2

THE Kawhia Settler FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1906, THE HARBOUR TELEPHONE.

Some months ago a definite promise was received that this important work would be put in hand at once, but still it is no further advanced. The poles, instruments and all appliances have arrived but. for all the good they are at present might just as well be in South Africa. The following letter has been received from Mr Oreenslade, and its perusal will no doubt prove interesting

•* Wellington, Auguat 31st, IUOi. Dear Sir.—With reference to your representations and telegram received ' from Mr Pettit enquiring as to when I the work in connection with the erec- ■ lion of a telephone at Kawhia will be commenced. In reply, I find upon enquiry that the delay in the erection of the telephone poles ie caused through the bad state of the roads. As soon, however, as they are in good order the work will be commenced, and 1 am giving instrnctionsjthat it io to be expedited.—Yours faithfully, J, G. WAut), Postmaster-General.” When Mr Lang was member tor the Waikato a cartain bridge was to be constructed at Awaroa, and the timber was “ seasoning ” (according to a departmeufal communication) for some months, buF'it was known that it was embedded in mud. /Chat excuse was recognised to be very feeble, but mark how it compares with the one advanced in this instance—“ Bad state of the road--, and whan they are in good order the work will be commenced!” To any one who knows the district the reason given as to the delay must be characterised as absurd, and goes to prove conclusively that gross incompetence exists in place of a high state of efficiency. It is to be hoped that the threat of the Department, not io commence the work until the roads are in good order, will not ba closely adhered to, as it it is the telephone line trill not be commenced for some years, judging by the rate of progress that is made by the Government in providing good roads. The poka are to be erected round the harbour, and (with the exception of those needed between

Oparau and Te Rau-a-mou) will all have to be taken to where they are to be used by water. There is no need to go on with the erection of the line to To Rtiu a-moa before the summer, so the Department’s argument is merely a subterfuge to shelve this important work. We know our member is doing his best ,to get the construe tion commenced, and trust that his efforts will move the powers that be to recognise the fact that the back blocks are very lired of the lax manner in which departmental premises are kept.