KARAMEA’S PLIGHT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 22 July 1929, Page 6

KARAMEA’S PLIGHT

EARYTIQUAKE DAMAGE A deputation consisting of Messrs If. E. Holland, .M.P., G. C. Black, AI.IL, the Hon. W. .Mclntyre, M.L.C., and M. McLean, chairman, Duller County Council, waited upon the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon. K. A. Ransom, at Wellington oil Friday evening in respect of damage to County roads' caused by the earthquake. Air Holland stated that the claims of the county were of such a nature as to ■warrant favourable consideration. Mr Black dealt with the- position at Karamea, and stated that the immediate claim referred to money required to open up the settlement roads to enable (lie farmers to get their cream to Ihe factory. Air Alelntyrc supported the County's ease. Mr McLean dealt with the position generally. Some £4OOO odd was required for ridings other than Ivaramea, where it was estimated £13.400 would be required to give immediate facilities. The county was one of Ihe largest in (lie Dominion, had a. rate of 6»d tut the unimproved value and felt that the position of the settlers would probably l>o such that there, would in many cases he default in rates for several years to come. Tt was felt that the only why out was to ask for a Government grant. Karnmca's position was acute. Mr Black: "If the roads are not immediately opened up it will be a ease of ‘put up the shutters’.” Air McLean : “Exactly.” The Prime Minister stated that the. request of the deputation would receive sympathetic consideration.