REQUEST DECLINED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 April 1939, Page 7

REQUEST DECLINED

EXCHANGE OF COUNTY ROADS. AFFECT ON RIDING TAXATION. At yesterday’s meeting of the Masterton County Council, a letter was received from the Mauriceville County Council stating that it was anxious to get a portion of the Mauriceville to Masterton Main Highway declared as a Main Highway and asking if the council would consider the exchange of this road for' a portion of the MastertonWeber Main Highway in the county of' Masterton, as thqre did not appear tc be any prospect of any additional highways being granted, and the only proposal the board was. likely to consider would be an exchange on the lines submitted. The Mauriceville County Council fell quite justified in asking for the council’s co-operation in view of the volume of traffic using the Masterton-Maurice-ville Road, and also in view of the fact that if the Masterton-Mauriceville Road were declared a Main Highway, there would be some prospect of the dangerous level crossing at Kopuaranga being eliminated. The council’s decision in the matter as soon as possible would be appreciated, so that the proposal could be submitted to the Main Highways Board for its consideration when the annual review of Main Highways took place. . Councillor H. H. Mawley said he was definitely opposed to the proposal. If they agreed to the request they would have to alter the whole incidence of riding rates and put a big burden on the Rangitumau Riding. Councillor P. R. Welch: “I think it is a progressive move and should be supported.” Councillor Mawley: “If it affected your pocket you would not support it.” It was decided to advise the Mauriceville County that the council could not agree to the proposed exchange, but that it would continue to urge that the Kopuaranga-Mauriceville road be declared a Main Highway.