Page 1 Advertisements Column 3

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 548, 13 July 1920, Page 1

frank remciMs *m, ksssa pukekohe. JSw -wqftjl Invite the Public to call and inspect the New Range of WJ WWW Bil 4'4» 111 Floor Coverings Also importations of High Class Drapery from Messrs. Watls & Co, Manchester .' Just opened up — 1 Dreadnought Boots H and Shoes *<B Ifc* for EVERLASTING WEAR. reifi^:.* mmm* '/fist ■r.'^ePiV^ am m 111. V\» IS fit f\\i*i m wvrzzzm k JU|^ "^ g MWHgMjggg; 4= ,*Cj3l -7ii 1 Inn/ 1 SN ud Li.-U - vk--" ri iii-o ' w\H» 8 to SS! •:.. '^jw K. . 1 ! I 'i * i'1 O'Vit* ?1 Jllll'^ Laav'ie^^^_i^ v» L*W 1 ■ 'i .'i ',1,(1 1.1. _sj3r 7T. - K fittvi? ■■VW..- «.,i@

FRANK PERKINS & CO., universal providers, pukekohe

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAIN ROAD COMMISSION. Sir,—ln your last issue Mr. G. T. Proude, of Bombay, has a letter contradicting, to some extent, the evidence given by me before the Main Road Commission held at Auckland recently. I would like to point out j that all local bodies were invited to attend and give evidence on several different questions. Firstly, the best route; secondly, the best method of construction; thirdly, power of control, and other questions. Now, sir, my evidence regarding route, control, tire taxation, etc., is published correctly in the "Times" of July 2, therefore it is not necessary for me to refer to such here. As to the statement that the business of the farmers of Bombay was done with Pukekohe, and not with Auckland or Hamilton, is scarcely correct. I had not mentioned Bombay in giving evidence, but after the commission had heard my opinion they asked if any representative had any question to ask. Mr. J. P. Bailey, of Waikato, asked if I thought it fair and right to take the main road from Bombay when Pukekohe and Tuakau had the Main Trunk line through their townships. Mv reply was that it would not be taking the road from Bombay, that the community of interest of Bombay and other places alonff the Great South Road were with Pukekohe and Tuakau, and not with Auckland and Hamilton. I think Mr. Proude will agree with me on that point. Pukekohe is the recognized centre of the Franklin district, the largest stock sales, horse fair, and many other commercial and legal conveniences are established there all of which are largely contributed to, and supported by, people of Bombay. The Pukekohe butter factory and the Tuakau butter factory are both supported bv Bombny farmers, and right along the South Road to Mercer, and Mr. Proude admits their foods are railed to Pukekohe or Buckland, clearly showing that their community of interest is with these centres. Mr. Proude goes on to say that my second quotation is "too thoughtless for much comment." "Everyone knows that to take the main arterial road out of a district means relegation to backblock conditions." Mv reply to that ouestion is that the Great South Road "through Bombay is not the only arterial road used in Franklin. Does it ever occur to Mr. Produe that during summer months there is more commercial and tourist traffic through Pukekohe and Tuakau, and linking up with the South Road at Pokeno than there is over the Razorback? Let us take our memories back only a few weeks, when the railway strike was on. The roads of Razorback, Pokeno, Maimgatawhin Valley, and other places were cut off from sending their cream to luakan butter factory by rail. If a good road had existed through the various centres mentioned, no difficulty would have been experienced. As it was all their cream had to be carted to Mercer, then by boat down the Waikato River to Tuakau landing, then carted to the central factory at Tuakau. The late railway strike has shown us (as far as good roads are concerned) that "short ruts" and "sentiment" are not the only things to be considered. The great object is the greatest good to the greatest number; and in keeping that in view, then it is most essential to traverse through the main centres of the Dominion. 1 Now, as to Mr. Proude's "supposing" the Railway wanted to straighten their line, and leave the loop via Tuakau for an odd "wildcat" or two per day. Well, I don't think there is any argument there. If the Railway Department wanted to deviate their line, they would simply do it, and not ask anyone for "evidence," 01 "by your leave." In conclusion, Mr. ] Editor, I appreciate Mr. Prjudc's !et- ; ter. It shows he is keen for the welfare of his district, and not af.nid to speak his mind. At the same time I can assure him that my evidence was given impartially, and without smv selfish motive D. FULTON. Tuakau, Julv 12, 1920. In a postscript Mr. Fulton points out an obvious oversight on the part of our reporter, a statement hav'yig been inadvertently put "back to front" as it were:— "I am reported in your paper of July 2 to have told the Main Roads' Commission that the community of interest of Pukekawa, Port Waikato, and Tuakau were with the Upper Waikato, and not the Lower Walknto. That is an error, it ia vice-versa,."