THE LAND FUND AND COUNTY COUNCILS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4874, 4 November 1876, Page 3

THE LAND FUND AND COUNTY COUNCILS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HEW ZEALAND TIMES, Sib—l have read in your issue of the 21st Just, the very able and clearly written letter by your correspondent, Mr. Hugh Carleton, I am sorry-that my .views in regard to the resumption of the land fund differ from his, because of the risk of centralisation. During nine years’ residence in an out-of-the-way district I have found that only the most infinitesimal proportion of the cash paid by-the district for land was ever likely to be restored to it. Even now I know of persons who would purchase Crown land to cultivate and improve it, if they could feel assured that a fair proportion of the purchase money would be returned to the district in the form of roads, bridges, or other public works. No reasonable, man would object to a deduction being made, for survey expenses, &c., and for increased value due to the public works executed by the Colonial Government, , The somewhat offensive remarks made by Colonel Whitmore and others, regarding the status of the class from which the members of the county councils will be drawn, appear to reqnireyeomment. I believe that in up-country districts the choice must lie to a great extent among those who either sit or might sit upon the highway boards. If this be so, then a review, extending back for nearly five years, of the spirit in which these bodies (road boards) have done their work, and of the quality of the work done, would afford a guarantee for the future, if, the retrospect gave a favorable result. . As a warden myself, praise from my pen would be unbecoming, but I believe I may say without ' {ear of contradiction, that speaking generally road boards are not unpopular, and command some confidence within the limits of their jurisdiction, As coming within my own observation, I may add these special items from this district, whichfor toe present shall be nameless.

1. That although some - wardens have forty miles of rough tracks to travel to the place of meeting, and only two wardens have less than ten miles, yet during nearly five years only one meeting has lapsed for want of a quorum. Speaking from memory, I should say about sixty meetings had been held. . 2, Upon only one occasion has the chairman been absent. 8. Anapproximate calculation of the distance travelled by one warden to and from the meetings, gives a total of more than 2400 miles. 4. Upon a discussion being raised as to whether the wardens were justified in claiming their actual expenses, a decision in the affirmative was arrived at; nevertheless, no warden has ever yet exercised his right. Consequently, the cost of horsefeed, board, and lodging has been a charge upon their private means, in addition to the time given.. 5. Where any application for a grant in aid of road work has been made by a warden whose private individual interests were involved, the motion has been m de and passed by the other wardens, and if desired by the Board a special contribution banded in. In conclusion, I may state that hitherto there has been no case brought before a Court by the Board or against the Board, and that nine-tenths of the motions tabled have been carried unanimously. Personally it is and has been a pleasure to me to attend the meetings, only the contemptuous sneers of certain gentlemen have induced me to write down a few facts in favor of those who, like myself, can sign themselves, —Yours, &c., A Warden.