THAT TE POI LOAN.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 279, 14 March 1929, Page 3

THAT TE POI LOAN.

COUNCIL’S VIEWPOINT. Deputation from Settlers. A deputation from the Te Poi Ratepayers’ Association, consisting of Messrs. C. A. Stopford (a former member of the council), J. Bell, C. Dearlove and J. M. Abbott, waited on the Matamata County Council on Friday, when several matters affect•ing Te Poi roads were thrashed out. The most important was the sealing of the road from the Te Poi school to the main highway. Mr. Stopford, who acted as chief spokesman, said the deputation desired information in regard to the loan for this work. They understood the balance Had been lying idle in the bank for three years. He believed the estimate had been exceeded and that another £4OO or £SOO was needed to complete the work. The job had been hanging on too long and they understood their money was earning no interest, while they were paying interest on it. He would also like to knew the amount to their credit.

The chairman replied that the ' amount in the bank was £lOl3, while I the estimate was between £I4OO and ! £ISOO. j Continuing, Mr. said the j ratepayers would agree to another loon'if necessary to complete the job. IHe would also like to know how the deficiency occurred. If a loan was necessary he thought the correct time to take a vote would be at the same time as the election. The clerk replied that in Mr. Stopford’s time loans were less trouble. Now they had to go before a Loans Board before they were allowed to go to the ratepayers. Cr. Cox : It will take six months at least. In reply to the chairman the clerk said he was not sure whether the Loans Board’s sanction would have to be obtained before they could raise an additional 10 per cent, on the loan. Had he known the deputation was coming he would have looked the matter up. The chairman explained that the work had been held over with a view to it being done in conjunction with the Hinuera-Te Poi road. Or. Judd pointed out that by so doing they might save £2OO. Mr. Stopford : What we want is

finality. This work has been hanging on for three years. Could we come to the point of calling tenders?

The chairman said the Hinuera-Te Poi job was let and the contractors could put on more men if more chips were available.

The engineer explained that the original estimate was based on the belief that there was a sufficient foundation of metal. This, however, had proved to be weak. Shingle had been put on which accounted for an extra £4OO. A Public Works grant had been voted for the road but just at that time the Government changed its policy and refused to authorise any grants for sealing jobs. The council then found it could reduce the cost by waiting till the big job was started, and that was the cause of the delay. If the 10 per cent, additional was raised Cr. Dee could find the balance from riding funds. Mr. Stopford : Well, the money has been lying in the bank for three years and I suppose no other loan has such a record. Well, I suppose it is no use upsetting the council. (Laughter.) Will the road need surfacing before the tar and chips are pi\t on? The engineer replied that surfacing would be necessary. Mr. J. Bell said the Ratepayers’ Association felt keenly on the matter as they were paying interest and nothing had been done. He asked if the council could give any indication as to whether the work would be done next summer. This assurance was given and the deputation then withdrew.