Awahou Pohangina Special Settlement.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 2 May 1890, Page 2

Awahou Pohangina Special Settlement.

(From Our Own Correspondent) A meeting of the settlers in the above block was held at thes choolhouae, Pohangina, on Tuesday last, to consider tiie advisability of borrowing under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, the Bum of £8000 to make the roads in the settlement. Mr. Lucas, the representative of the Ward in the Kiwi. ea Road Board, attended, ahd explained the nature of the proposals. He pointed out that the rates aceuring from the block at present amounted to only £54 per annum, whilst thiß year £56 had been spent on one. bridle treck. The roadi were only obtained with much difficulty, and the amounts bad to be spent on the roads immediately opposite to the sections from which they were derived. If the proposal to borrow the £3000 was adopted, the interest could be paid out of the aeoruing thirds for the remaining seven years in which selectors had to pay their respective amounts to the Government, and at the end of that time the inoreased valuation would provide sufficient to pay the interest, without,' the thought, it being necessary to oall up any portion of the general rate. Mr Lucas explained the matter at some length, and very clearly, showing that the loan would be for 26 years, at 5 psr cent, which wonld oover both interest and principal. The sohedule of the loan was* read, the proposal being to apend £2,503 on the main rpad, and £500 oh bridle tracks on the various side roada. In answer to questions, Mr Lucas said the schedule had been drawn up by the engineer, and it could not be altered without commencing the proceedings de novo. At the same time, he was of opinion that in matters of this kind the allocation should be agreed upon by the settlers interested beforehand. Mr Bussell expressed his disappointment with the schedule, as the allocation was not a fair one. The main road did not not run through the block, but only along the western boundary, and under the proposed allocation the settlers excepting the few fronting the road, would be very little benefitted by bridal tracks. Mr S. Hunt differed, and considered it was advisable to have the main road constructed first. Under this arrangement the settlers would have a good road to the side lines at any rate. He mo . Ed that the proposed loan be obtained on tbe schedule proposed. This waß seoonded by Mr Wiokens and carried, the meeting generally being apparently satisfied with the schedule. Mr D. Hughey said that at first he had uot been altogether in favour of the loan but after Mr Lucas' explanation he would do what he could to secure it suceesi. It was resolved that the poll should be taken on Saturday, the 10th May, and all the member** were strongly urged to record hei* *oUs on the day. to