THE COUNTY ROADS.

Shannon News, 13 April 1922, Page 4

THE COUNTY ROADS.

DAMAGED BY MOTOR TRAFFIC. THE MINISTERIAL ATTITUDE. At a meeting of the Ilorowhcnua County Council on Saturday a communication came to hand from Mr W. H. Field, M.P., in regard to the deputation of representatives from the Hutt, Horowhcnua and Makara County Councils that recently visited the Minister of Public Works to discuss the vexed question of getting assistance for these councils in respect of the expense to which they were put during the railway cut some time back, and are still being subjected to, through excessive heavy motor traffic.

The Minister, wrote Mr Field, promised to consider the position, but would make no promise of assistance on account of the financial stringency. “Under the circumstances," said Air Field “the councils can hardly be blamed if the main roads within their boundaries become practically impassible. It is quite certain that the ratepayers cannot stand the strain ol: the cost unless either the heaviest of the motor truck traffic is put an end to or

unless the owners of these vehicles contribute substantially towards the upkeep of the roads which they uic so seriously damaging. ” Mr Field added that a conference of all interested paities to discuss and consider the whole question was in view. “I think this matter has been extensively discussed/' said the chairman (Mr Monk), “and it is no good saying any more. I think, however, that we should express our thanks to Mr Field for his efforts. He has stuck to this thing right through. Because one local bod} makes a claim for £IO,OOO it is not to say that, we all made extravagant claims.''

Mr G'ohlsmith: We only claimed £llOO and that- is what it cost us.

The letter was received and a motion of thanks to Mr 1 icld was carried