ROAD BOARDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue XXXXV, 8 December 1903, Page 2

ROAD BOARDS.

The question of unduly multiplying local bodies came up for dismission at Monday's meeting of the Taranaki Tounty Council, when settlers in the outlying districts south of the Stony River and north of the I'umho Stream requested that their district be formed into a road district. These settlers are evidently in an unen\iable position just not'.v, having no di- [ rect sepresentation on any of the local bodies. Before deciding on this petition they made overtures to the, Omuta Road Hoard, asking to be included within tiieir boundaries. This board, however, whose affairs i are administered in a business-like manner and to the satisfaction of the rate[wyers,, were not inclined to receive an infant riding into their care ! and politely passed on the applicants . to the County Council. Here thencause was championed by Cr. (ituy, who believed that the settlers were quite right in making the application, and if it were granted benefit would accrue to the settlers and the district genarally. One of the advantages of small road districts as that the business is not of a very bulky nature, and farmers can easily be induced to take seats on the board !f>v tl(e. administration of the roads in their own immediate vicinity, whilst the work of the hoards in a large district is very heavy, and entail? t!w loss of a great deal p{

time, which farmers are unable to devote to public matters. This phase of the question was pointed out at the meeting, uird instantly combated by Cr. Drown, who inveighed against, this system of multiplying local bodies. The chief objection raised was that the cost of udniinistratiicln of road boards in. small districts was too great- in proportion to the amount of revenue. Clerk's salary and statutory expenses absorbed 'a great deal of the money which should have found its way on to roadg and bridges had the new and smaller district been included in the larger area of the neighbouring board. Our opinion is that if the settlers in any ' district think they oan have their local affairs better administered by forming a road district with rating powers over a small area, by all means let them ' act in this manner. The whole of the adjoining county reaps advantages 'fiHiiti iiinprovetl roadjng. and this phase of the question must be taken into consideration.

OX THK FOURTH PACE. Our U'Uer-Rox. The New Syllabus. Taranaki County County Council. Sporting.