THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, JULY 27, 1907. BOROUGH ROADS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8496, 27 July 1907, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, JULY 27, 1907. BOROUGH ROADS.

The fining of a number of cyfclists in the Masterton Magistrate's Court, yesterday morning, might almost be described as indirect evidence of the disgraceful conditian of the streets and roads within the area that is under the jurisdiction of the Masterton Borough Council. Both the streets and footpaths are in a condition that reflects very discreditably upon municipal administration, and the former are in a worse condition than the latter, if that be possible. The erring cyclists were only nominally fined, and in the lenient view which the Bench evidently took of the offences, it is perhaps possible to recognise some degree of sympathy with the offenders, and a silent condemnation of a Borough Council, which call such roads their own. But not only do the residents of Masterton suffer disCDmfort and income lience, through the state of affairs we are referring to, but it must, also, be admitted that visitors to the town must carry away a very poor impression —but, possibly, a correct impression after all—of the progressive character of our municipal administration. The Borough Council may be able to offer a few weak excuses in the nature of an apology in place of a roads policy, but they cannot deny that vigorous action, even if it entails a good deal of expenditure, is necessary. Are they prepared to make a strong effort to provide the town with decent streets and roads, or do they propose to simply "let things slide?" It is regrettable, however, that the burgesses leave municipal matters so entirely as they do to the Borough Council. A. body to watch and to advise the Borough Council might be of great service to the town; in fact

such a body would be, if it only in- < sisted upon "making itself heard." We should like to see a Ratepayers' Association—or some'similar organisation to that which was once in existence—formed for the purpose of impressing upon the Borough Council the municipal advantages that result from really progressive administration.