ROADS FOR SOLDIERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 232, 20 December 1927, Page 12

ROADS FOR SOLDIERS

“BREEZE” AT PIAKO CREDIT AND RATES (From Our Own Correspondent) TE AROHA, To-day. At the Piako County Council meeting yesterday a letter was received from the Prime Minister offering assistance to the Wairere soldier settlers by way of advancing £7OO for roading purposes for a period of 10 years. The chairman, Mr. W. R. Lowry, explained that the area possessed accumulated thirds to the value of £2OO, leaving £ 500 to borrow. A deputation headed by Mr. McGill waited on the council and asked that the contents of the letter be given effect to, but wanted a 36-year term. The chairman said the position was that they had no security for the money and no financial institution would provide money for soldier settlers, as the counties could not recover rates from the soldier areas. Mr. McGill remarked that there had never been an effort to collect rates. "I claim,” he said, "that the soldier on that settlement is as good as any in the country. You are lowering us in the eyes of the business people and have no right to make such statements. Because we are returned soldiers we are not rusted for a paltry £2OO. When we went to the war we did not take an insurance policy on our lives. It is a scandalous position.” The chairman replied: "There are already accumulated rates owing. I will not allow you to come here and insult the council. I ask you to sit down.” After peace had been restored it was agreed to write to the Minister of Lands and ascertain the exact intention regarding the offer of money and to contribute out of the county funds, aided by the Highways Board, in portions of equal thirds.