HIGHWAYS AT OTAKI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 88, 29 June 1880, Page 2

HIGHWAYS AT OTAKI.

t6 : thb bpitor or thb manawatp hbrald Sin,— Khx behalf of myself and many others I shall feel much obliged to you if you will inform us where the Highway* roads ars in Otaki The Hurhpriys Board b*s iflaura ft notice to the effaot that on and after Wednesday, 23rd June, proceedings will be taken against the owners of large and small oattle trespassing or straying on the Highways in the Otaki district. As I have no doubt you are aware, sir, Otaki is •urroundedbjr Maori land.and if the Maoris are summoned for allowing their pigs, sheep" ,* horses, tfo., to wander (there being no pound) the natives will be entirely at liberty to put a gate aorosi the road and demand toll, as per Manawatu, for persons, vejbioles, or horsemen coining into or going but of the township ; for no matter how or which way you want to get out you are obliged to go through Maori land. In the opinion of many of the settlers here this summoning for cattle straying will only induce the natives to assert their rights, and make us pay for the privilege of going in or out of our homes. It is rumoured Constable Mitchell is the officer who will summon the offenders, and as there is no Fencing Act that can be enforced, we are of opinion the resolution of the Highways Board will lead to various complications. We hope you will enlighten us on this subject, and let the inhabitants know if it forms part of the Constable's duty (there being hb pound in ; the. district) to take the billet. We don't know what the emoluments are. Apologising for the length of this letter, . I am t &c, EXQUIKEB. Otaki, June 24, 1880.