ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1918, Page 3

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Corresepondent.) Elthain, Dec. 15At the close of the ordinary business of the County. Council, Cr. McWiUiaai read a letter lie intended to forward to -Mr. C. A- Wilkinson, JVLF., regarding the position of settlers out in, the back, in this letter he states that, looking squarely at things, the settlers are not so prosperous tiiere as one might believe. Kvery mile of road handed over by the Government added further burdens on the settlers, and the county rate was now 3d in the £. Two years ago he had reviewed the position and believed indications showed an improvement, but these anticipations had not been realised, the rates having increased. ■He stated the damage caused by the excessive rainfall was estimated at £BSO, and ho wondered where the settlers would get the revenue from to meet this.

The chairman, and other members of the council recognised the unfortunate position of the settlors in the Omona Riding, but could do nothing in. the matter. Probably the member for Egmout might be able to secure some assistanceConstable Townsend is reported to have passed a. very satisfactory night, and his condition, though still critical, is much more hopeful. The returned soldier (McGill) is also showing satisfactory progress. Mr. E. Patten, who has .'Been under private treatment for several weeks, is now getting along nicely.