PARAKAI RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 11 October 1917, Page 2

PARAKAI RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

A MEETING was held in the Parakai Hall on Thursday evening last, with the object of forming a ratepayers' association or league.

Mr R. Nicholls, who occupied the chair, laid the objects before the meeting, pointing out that the association would not be formed for the mere purpose of faultfinding, but with a policy of construction, not destruction ; to improve the system of management, and secure better results for money spent; to strengthen the hands of the representative in the administration of the requirements of his district, and not to retard his work. The speaker dwelt for som^i time on the advisability- of safeguarding against extravagant expenditure, better and more permanent laying down of roads measurement of material supplied, and contract versus day work. He advocated that metal be spread in the autumn on hard roads and in the spring on new roads, and also more effective construction of culverts and drains. Great improvements 'methods "^^ "* *he engineerin& Mr Nioholls then spoke at some length in regard to the Government taking over the Helensville Hot Springs and ™em^ oa House. He said that it the Government were going to do anything they should take over the whole of the hot water area thus conserving the rights of the public and giving the whole community the benefit of the waters. r Aitkenhead and Mr Jas. McLeod both replied on the matter referring to the Hot byrmgs, and the meeting then adjourned sine die.