THE MINISTERIAL PARTY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 23 May 1913, Page 5

THE MINISTERIAL PARTY.

HON W. FRASER AT PONCAROA.

DISABILITIES OF BACK BLOCKS SETTLERS.

(By Telegraph—Our Special Reporter '■ PONGAROA, Last Night. The Ministerial party left Pahiatua this morning en route for Pongaroa. The Minister travelled by motor, and visited the Coonoor district. A halt was called at Makuri, where a deputation was introduced by Mi G. R. Sykes, M.Jr*., requesting tlucompletion of Moore's road—one n.ih' and ten chains. 'jn ( > work was slopped five years ago for want ci menvx. When completed it- will be h stoci iroad to Masterton from Makuri. ;.t?'' will benefit a number of settlers. The cost is estimated at £BOO or £9OO. The Minister ■promifv*d consid»>ra tion of the request. On its arrival Hv Pongaroa, filter a

very good journey, .shortly utter ~';, o'clock, the party proceeded to t!:>' County Council oftice, where they wer. introduo?d to Mr M. B. Robertso;'. County Chairman. Theye was a large attendance ol' s-ettlei'S; Mir Robertson welcomed the Minister and party to rongaroa. He said they had to thank one Ministry for finding funds for tno construction of roads and bridges. He hoped that the Hon Mr Frasar would see thn wants of the district. He belk-ved the Ministry intended, n - \'g improvements in local government. In this connection he expressed the hope that th> backbloeks would be considered), together with the disabilities under which settlers were placed. The Akitio County was very highly rated. There* was a general rate- c' 3d on tho unimproved value and a' special rate ,on a loan of Id. Much of the revenue was taken as contributions to outside bodies in Masterton, Dannevirke, and Pahiatua, which was a very heavy strain. He contended that local bodies so situated should be considered in the proposed reforms. He did not think backblock Counties had sufficient representation at tho Municipal Conferences. There wero many Crown settlers in the district. While grateful for .Government grant;, they thought the uoveramarrt should take over the main arterial road. An uniform contribution from all the local bodies interested should b» made. The rate of interest on loans was also daalt with, by Mr Robertson, who said that one rate should be charged, everr if the money were not taken up at one time. The present loan of £28,000 had 'been aken up in instalments of £7OOO, mid each time therate of interest was increased. The Ministers explained that each instalment was a separate loan. Mr Robertson, continuing, expressed the hope for a raoro equitable method of subsidising rates. The Minister agreed as to the necessity of this, but said no change was possible before the Local Government Bill was brought down'.* Ho thanked tho Chairman and settlers for the welcome accorded him. He was pleased to hear the wants of settlers, and he was travelling through the country to gain a better idea of tho! wants in connection with roads and j bridge. He hoped that any grievances would be placed before him. Any requests made would be noted, and every consideration given ! them when the estimates wei« being framed. He could make no promises. Local bodies generally applied for about five times as much money as they wanted, and he must exorcise caution. Referring to the Local Government Bill, he said this was engaging the attention of the Cabinet. It did not affect bis air Fraser's) department alone, it was of impartano* to the whole of the Cabiinet. He would not go into details; but they knew where the blots on the present system were, and wiesb would receive earnest attention. Ma- Robertson further referred to the accommodation for vessels on the coast. He asked that an engineer inspect and report as to the possibility of better harbourage being obtained either at Aohonga or Akitio. Improved facilities tor shipping would greatly help the settlers. , ( ~ The Minister said the matter* was not in his Department, but he promised to bring it before the Minister of Marine, who, he was sure, would attend to it as being important to the district. A deputation from the Akitio County Council applied .for grants for completing the forming and metalling > of roads in thei County, amounting in all to about £7600. They also asked the Government to appoint a super- • visor of bridge construction, in order 1 to ensure satisfactory work. The Minister said the Government did not sdlow for supervision in the expenditure of grants, and always refused to pay for supervision of work . by local bodies.