RAILWAY AND ROAD

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 207, 14 July 1939, Page 2

RAILWAY AND ROAD

DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL CALLING OF PUBLIC MEETING MEMBER TO BE INVITED Upon receipt of a letter from the town clerk in reply to the county council’s request that the borough council send representatives to attend a public .meeting, a lively ' discussion took place at the county council meeting to-day. Mr. Black said they had waited, for the railway since tlfc first election. The council could not take promises from a private individual. Mr. Merry said the idea of the public meeting was to get the strong backing. of the public. Mr. Black said the borough was apparently not so interested as the county. The borough had apparently missed the point altogether through Mr. Johnson’s .statements. Mr. Merry .said that the member should be asked to bring tire matter up in Parliament. Mr. Black said the coast road was of little interest to Opotiki. 'J hoy should j>*ess for the road to the railhead.

M l r. Gault- said there were no settlers on the proposed road. Mr. Burke said they should press for a. good highway tu Opotiki and leave it to the Government. Members expressed the opinion thata, good road! and railway should be pressed for. Cr. Medley said that they had waited for generations and new they wanted the results. Mr. Gault said that he had received a letter from Mr. Hultquist asking that- he he invited to attend the public meeting. Mr. .Medley said that if the borough council did not wish to take part other bodies be asked to co-operate. The council had no animosity towards the government but it was a matter of policy to press for the road ami railway. Air. Gault .said he understood that the railway was fixed for the other side of the ‘NVaimana river and the AVaima-na road could! be gone on with. Me thought the Taneatua road the nearest and if they waited for the other they would wait for years. Air. Burke said that it should be left to the Government to find the best road to t-lie railway. Jt- was decided to hold a, public meeting and invite all local bodits to attend. Air. Hultquist would l be asked to attend.