The Times. PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1917 THE ROADING PROBLEM

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 323, 2 November 1917, Page 2

The Times. PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1917 THE ROADING PROBLEM

" We nothing extenuate, nor tet down auaht in malice

The remarks made by Cr Flanagan (the Chairman) at yesterday's meeting of the Franklin County Council relative to the roads in Franklin County are well worth attentive consideration by County ratepayers. Too often owners smarting under real or imaginary grievances indignantly complain of the state of the roads. But as Cr Flanagan pointed out the extent of the mileage of the roads makes it quite impossible for the Council with its limited finance and without Government assistance to attain the degree of perfection that is desirable. In Franklin County some 190 miles of roads have been metalled and have to be kept in repair, no less than 160 miles of roads urgently require development and some 300 miles of by-roads await construction. The existence of the Franklin County Council only dates back a little more than five years but granted a good deal remains to be done there can be no question but that taking all things into consideration a 'very great deal has been accomplished since the County Council started on its career. It is easy to make pro test that perfection has not been attained or that the possible has not been accomplished but as Cr Flanagan very properly pointed out the whole question resolves itself into one of finance. It the ratepayers are prepared as they should be to incur the liability of loans there is no reason why the roads of Franklin County should not reach a degree of excellency that would rival that of any district in the Dominion The interests of the whole community are identical- The rich man must be prepared to assist his less fortunate neighbour of the soil and the small man must be ready to accept his liability for development. It one and all are in accord as to the necessity and desirability of raising loans to effect and bring about proper and adequate roading conditions the object aimed at can be achieved. Loans there must be and by that means only will the progress and prosperity of Franklin County be assured and accomplished. If the ratepayers do their part in this way it can safely be left to the incoming County Council to see that the money is properly expended and the best possible results secured.