“AN INIQUITOUS TOLL”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2215, 14 December 1920, Page 3

“AN INIQUITOUS TOLL”

COMMENT AT COUNTY

MEETING. During the consideration *of the County Engineer’s report: at Saturday’s meeting of the Ilorowlicnua County Council, in winch the damage to the county roads and bridges by las! week’s flood was referred to, councillors made reference to the imposition of toll, by a landowner in the vicinity of Chau, on travellers who were compelled to pass over Jus farm owing to the collapse of the Waikawa bridge. Cr. Harkness said it was disgusting to find that some people were prepared to take advantage of others in the face of misfortune. When the Waikawa bridge gave wo y, the public had to go round ■through private property —a detour of about live miles —and to lind when they got there that a private individual was putting toll on them. It was contemptible. Cr. Rider: It is disgusting, Cr. Harkpc.ss; And this is a wealthy man. Mo damage was done the properly, but ear owners had to pay a 5s toll. It was absolutely iniquitous, and the Conned should make a strong protest about it. The Chairman (Cr. Monk) said that although they had 1 this instance before them, he wished to say that when danger threatened at Tokoraa nT, the settlers turned out and did all they could to save the bridge. (Hear, hear.) The Council would fully appreciate such an action when others were eontenf to stand by and do nothing.

The Engineer (Mr Anderson) said, touching on that matter, mention should be made of Mr Raynor, of Oban, who was out from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. on the morning the Waikawa bridge collapsed, warning travellers of the danger ahead. Cr. Ryder thought that if a nominal charge of Is were made it would not he so had, hut os was exorbitant.

The chairman considered that the owner was within his right in making a small trespass charge. Cr. McLeavey thought the person referred to was ipiite right to make a trespass charge, hut he would not say what the charge should he. How manv people would allow their properties to he used in this way without making a charge. Cv. Hai'kness maintained that the foil being made was out ol all reason. —Chronicle.