EFFECT OF PUBLIC PROTEST.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8794, 23 April 1907, Page 3

EFFECT OF PUBLIC PROTEST.

Minister Backs DownPer Press Association. New PivriiouTH, April 22. The Chamber ojf Commerce waited on the Hon Hall-Jones this afternoon in reference to the proposal to hand over the unfinished end, partially unmetalled, of the main arterial road into the Ohura district to the Stratford County Council. The Minister said the position was misunderstood. He did not expect settlers to undertake the burden cf metalling the road, but what he did expect of them was to assist in maintaining the road when constructed. Had the local body assisted in this way in part the whole road from Stratford to Whangamomona would before now have been metalled. The Government intended to spend money granted by Parliament m making roads, not in maintaining them when made. It had been said that settlers had been starved out of our country on account of the difficulties experienced. He mentioned several cases from a list he had prepared showing that considerable amounts had been made by these settlers in selling. They had sold to benefit themselves and get other properties. The Government had done well by back block settlers and intended to do well by them in future. The Hon. Hall-Jones proceeded tonight to Stratford, where he meets the County Council in reference to the same matters. Stkatford, April 22. The Hon. Hall-Jones met Stratford County Council to-night to discuss the Ohura road. The Minister .after going fully into the matter, said what he wanted was the county to do what it could to maintain the road, and he would do his part. He never had the remotest idea that the Council' should do the metalling. Undoubtedly he would make provision for metalling on his future estimates. In any difficulties that the Council got into over the maintenance he would not mind giving £ for £ subsidy. The Minister expressed sympathy with back blocks settlers and his great desire to help thorn, but ho pointed out that other parts of tho colony's needs were equally if not more urgent.