THE ROAD TO THE BEACH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 69, 20 April 1880, Page 2

THE ROAD TO THE BEACH.

A conference took place on Saturday last, at the County office, Foxtou, regarding the road from the Foxton ferry to the Beach, of which our readers have heard so much lately, Mr Macarthur representing the County Council, whilst Ihakara Tukumaru, Natana Pipito, and a few Maoris of less repute attended on hehalf of the native owners. The Eev. Mr Duncan acted as interpreter. Mr Macarthur fully explained the law on the question, and informed the natives that the County Council was determined to carry a line of road through the land, and that the owners woii]# have fair compensation awarded them by a Court which would sit for that purpose. The natives were very determined on the matter, and said that until the £600 they asked was paid, they would allow no road line to be . made, but would continue to charge * toll, and that if any surveyors were sent on the ground they would drive them off. Mr Macarthur replied that they would be liable to a fine of £50 if they did so, and the natives said they would stand the consequences. We understand that Mr Hayns (County Engineer), assisted by Mr Owen, will begin the survey of the road on Tuesday, the fourth of May f Tne natives express themselves fully determined not to permit the survey to proceed, and state that one of their old women will throw the chain into the river if a surveyor attempts to lay off the line of road before their claim for utu is satisfied>p-f