ACCESS TO OTAKI.

Shannon News, 3 April 1928, Page 3

ACCESS TO OTAKI.

ROAD AT RAILWAY TO BE IMPROVED AT LAST. Prior to a meeting of the Otaki Borough Council on Monday relative to the Commission which is to sit to consider matters concerning the .Borough, MrWilson (clerk) read a letter from the Public Works Department relative to the thoroughfare from Wacrenga Road corner to Mill Road railway crossing. The letter advised that the Main Highway Board had decided to authorise funds on a free basis to enable steps to be taken to bring the short section of highway through, the Borough up to a reasonable standard. Arrangements had been made for the Horowhenua Council to undertake the work at . the earliest opportunity, and it Avould be appreciated if the O'talci Borough Council would assist the County Council in having the work completed as speedily as possible. The Mayor considered the letter verysatisfactory and stated the Council’s willingness to assist the Horowhenua Council. f

Mr. Atmore (Borough solicitor) stated that some time ago he had written to the Council stating that the time was opportune, owing to the fire wh’ch destroyed Mr. Webster’s buildings, to widen the road. The Council had replied that Mr. Webster rvould have to set back his building 33ft from the centre of the road in accordance with the by-laws, but this, he considered, -v\as wrong, and that the owner could build up to his boundary if he so desired. The setting-back, as suggested by the Council, only referred to subdivision. There were no building restrictions and the Council had acted under a misapprehension when replying to liis letter. He suggested that an effort now be made to have the road widened.

Or. Smith said that the Public Works Department was only concerned with a certain w'idth in the middle of the road, and not with the whole width. If the Council did anything it w'ould have to be done independent of the Department. Cr. O’Rourke considered there was no need to grant a permit if the bylaws were effective. They, of course, anav be ultra vires. The Alayor thought the Council could refuse to grant a permit and thus leave Air. Webster to .apply to the Supreme Court. Air. Atmorc considered it would be unfair to take a man’s land without giving compensation. He, however, maintained that a man could build up to his boundary.

It was decided that the matter be considered at a later date.