THE BEACH ROAD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 864, 12 July 1910, Page 3

THE BEACH ROAD.

FURTHER DISCUSSION BY

COUNCIL

CR BARBER ASKED TO MEET COUNCIL.

At last night’s Council meeting letters were read from Messrs John Mounsey and Holbeu in reference to the formation of the road to the Foxtou beach. The letters stated that all the lessees at Te Wharangi have signed a petition expressing their willingness to pay a minimum of ros per section, and a maximum of 15s towards interest of the cost of the proposed road. The Mayor said this matter had been before them on several occasions, and there was a diversity of opinion as to the assistance the Council should render. Of course, the Foxton Council was only one of the bodies. He understood that the Mauawatu County Council was prepared to find one-third of the money required, and the lessees another third, and they wanted Foxton to do their part. He had expected a letter from the Mauawatu County Council on the question, but it had not come to hand.

Cr Gibbs moved, and Cr Adams seconded, that Messrs Mounsey and Holben be informed that as soon as the Manawatu County Council (the controlling authority ) comes forward with a definite proposal, re proposed road to tbe Beach, this Council will be willing to assist within reasonable limits.

Cr Speirs said he thought it would be advisable to alter tbe wording of the motion so as to read that the matter would be considered instead of offering a sum of money as was proposed. He contended this would answer the same purpose and would not bind them to anything. Cr Gibbs said he understood that the Harbour Board was willing to contribute something towards the cost of the road- Was it proposed that the Board and Council should guarantee the other third required ? The Mayor said he would be quite in favour of that. Cr Adams said he would like to see the motion changed to read that with the Harbour Board the Council would be prepared to pay one third of the cost of the road. The matter had been before them times out of number and they should take some action. They knew that the Manawatu County Council would not pay more than a third and he was of opinion that that body was now waiting to hear what the Foxton Council was prepared to do. Cr Speirs did not see how the Council could make any offer unless some definite statement was received from the Manawatu County Council. He thought it would be better to hold the matter over for another month as he did not believe in rushing into a thing they knew nothing about. The Manawatu County Council had been asked for information but this had not been supplied. Cr Rimmer agreed with Cr Adams —something definite should be done at once. Foxton would receive the most benefit and he thought they should say they were prepared, with the Harbour Board, to pay one third of the cost.

Cr. Stewart said that with the amounts the lessees had signified their willingness to contribute and the third by the Manawatu County would leave a very smalll sum to be found by the Foxton Borough and he thought they would be standing in their own light if they did not express their willingness to contribute the amount —about ,£2O. The matter was one of urgency as it was desired to have the road completed in time for next season. Cr Gibbs said that he would like to see something definite done but they were not the controlling body and therefore must wait for the County to make a move. He suggested that a deputation from the Council should wait on Cr Barber, of the Manawatu County Council and find out exactly what the County was prepared to do. The Mayor said there were many features to be taken into consideration. One was the matter of security. The only security that could be offered was by the Manawatu County and Foxton Borough, and he understood that the County expected the Borough to enter into half of the security. The motion was carried.

It was further decided, ou the motiou of Cr Stewart, seconded by Cr Adams, that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to Cr Barber (Mauawatu County Council) requesting him to meet the Foxtou Borough Council at Foxton ou a date and time to be mutually arranged to discuss fully and formally the details ol formation of the Beach road.