THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 215, 17 June 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1872.

The time is now close at hand when the ratepayers of the Thames will be called upon to elect their local Highway Boards for the ensuing year. A considerable alteration will probably take place. Several members of the present Boards, we understand, do not intend to seek re-election. They say, and not without reason, that they have discharged a very thankless office this year, that they have had little or no money to spend, have been badgered by the Superintendent as to the grant in aid, have incurred personal responsibilities for overdrafts at the bank, and have had scanty recognition at the bands of their constituents for what they have done. The result is that several of them contemplate not seeking reelection. The members of the Waiotahi Board have been busy lately considering the draft of an Act to establish their • district into a Municipality, considering, we presume, that the original Municipal petition will come to grief, which is highly probable, considering the strength of the counter-petition, and the “hitch” as regards “boundaries.” The Kanaeranga Board, which meets this evening, will probably have something to say in reference to this question. But, in any case, until an alteration takes place in the form of local self-government it is desirable that the very best men that can be secured should be elected to the Highway Boards. The election for the Waiotahi district is advertised to take place on the 2nd of next month, and those for Kauaeranga and Parawai will most likely take place at the same time. Before these elections take place all that portion of the Kauaeranga District lying to the south of the Hape Creek will be added to Parawai. This will add considerably to the size of the latter, and the ratepayers living in the portion so added will be equal in numbers, if they do not exceed those resident at Parawai proper. It is absolutely necessary that our leading streets and roads should be kept in a state of repair, and the large amount of traffic which passes over them cuts them all to pieces, so that when a heavy shower comes on are. rendered all but impassible. The present Road Board system has not the requisite means or powers to do what is required. But until we get a better we must make the most of the present regime. As we have said, on former occasions, we think the existing Boards have done a good deal with their small means and have expended them judiciously. We are aware, however, that contrary opinions are entertained, especially by some residents of Block 27 who consider that their interest have not been fairly attended to by the Kauaeranga Board and who intend to bring out some of their own candidates. We shall be glad to sec good men elected from whatever part of the district they come forward. We have heard several names mentioned, whom, however, it would be premature to name, ns we presume they will announce themselves

in a day or two. One or two meetings have been held on this subject, at St. George’s Schoolroom, but there has evidently been a want of unanimity, and nothing definite has been arrived at. So far as Block 27 is concerned,” objection to a Municipality in any shape which includes that portion of the district seems, to be a. leading feature. As the question more immediately before them at present is the election of good men and true to serve them on the Highway Board, yre hope they will devote their attention to that matter firsthand afterwards consider the Municipality question, as affecting them, for which there will be ample time. Good roads , and streets cannot be made with the small amount raised by

rates, but still something may be done to stop a gap here and there. We hope the day is not far distant when the Thames will have sufficient control over its own revenue to be able to keep the main thoroughfares in good repair, and do something for the back streets. The Queen of Beauty and other claims in that vicinity are unable to cart their stuff to the battery in consequence of the frightful state of the roads, and the general traffic is much restricted from the same cause. This causes a positive loss to the community, - and is one of the reasons, amongst others, why our gold returns are not larger at the present moment. We know that whoever shall be elected members of the road Boards for the ensuing year cannot altogether remedy this state of things, but we do say that it is important that the very -best men of those who are willing to come forward for election should be chosen to do what they can with the means which they have in hand. When the intending candidates are duly announced, we shall have something further to say upon the subject.