MOA ROAD BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 October 1915, Page 6

MOA ROAD BOARD.

■PLANT TO BE PURCHASED. At the special meeting tailed for Saturday there were present:— Messrs. Trimble (chair), Bridgeman, Capper, Clough, Ilopson, thicker, Laurence, Slioemai'k and Williams.

The chairman briefly introduced the object of the meeting and said that the Board could not raise a loan for the purpose of buying machinery, and if it was decided to obtain it the best way would be to increase the rate for two or three years and pay it off in that way; however, tliat was one of the matters tiho Board would have to decide.

In answer to a question tht overseer said that an eight ton roller would be quite heavy enough for their purposes?

Mr. Trimble said the matter of getting machinery was not a question for a portion of the ratepayers but, for the Road Board. Members were there to do their best for the ratepayers of th.i whole district and if the Board i-onsirl ered tilie purchase of plant was iu the best interests of the district as n. whole it was their plain duty to get. it The portion of the district hft still haJ t:u highest subsidy granted to ratepiye s, an<l would, therefore, be in a better ■position than they were before. And supposing they bought the plant and the rest of the district merged, the plant would not be lost, as the county would have to take it over and all the' Board's liabilities, and no doubt that body could find full use for it. The Boa'rd had power to levy a rate of six farthings in the £ but could not levy a special rate, but at present the Board only levied three farthings, and if full rate was levied the Board could pay for the plant in one year. He did not, however, think that would be wise," but would suggest a small increase so as to overtake it, say. in three years. There was very little hope of their County Bill passing, as the end of the session wag near and Local Bills would bave only a poor chance.

Mr. Bridgeman said some years ago the settlers used to have to turn out and fill the holes in the roads so as to get their milk to the factory, but to-day they had good motor-car roads on account of the good work done by the steam roller.

Mr. Laurence said it seemed to him that the Kaimata ratepayers were in favour of having roadmakrng plant, but did not want to have to pay extra rates to pay for it. If the district merged into the county the ratepayers would have to pay for machinery just the same, as the county had not sufficient to deal with the whole county. He had voted against the purchase of machinery five years ago as the Board was then short of funds. He had, however, since then gained experience and their finances were easier, and lie was convinced now that it would be to their advantage to have it. Mr. Hopson said the County Council was not in any better financial position thiol the Board.

Mr. Hucker said he was quite convinced that a steam roller was an absolute necessity, but was not so sure about a stone crusher.

Mr. Laurence moved and Mr. Hopson seconded, that the Board procure a roller and crusher, and the chairman and overseer be authorised (o make the best arrangements possible and report to the Uoard at its next meeting. On this being carried, Mr. Capper recorded his vote against it.

The formal resolution confirming the special order re the Xgatoro bridge rate was moved and carried.

The'overseer tendered his resignation, but consideration of same was held over to the regular meeting on the ICtli inst.