AMALGAMATION OF HIGHWAY BOARDS.

Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 306, 28 April 1874, Page 2

AMALGAMATION OF HIGHWAY BOARDS.

(To the Editor of the Waikato Times), Sib,— A short time ago, I drew public notice to }he aboyo subject - r I regret that it lias not received the attention iti importance deserves. I believe a kind of hole-and-corner meeting was held at som© out-of-the-way place, by chairmen representing the different highway boards, for tho purpose of petitioning the Government take over the main roads. To do this would virtually abolish highway boards, or at least reduce them to- mere twopenny-half-penny affairs. This meeting of chairmen and its object, so far as I can learn, were both without the authority of the ratepayers, — in fact, they have not been consulted in the matter, and that is why I call it a hole-and-corner meeting. I think it would be much better to have one district board at which it would be some small honor to (serve ; a petition coming from suoh a body, at whiwh in all probability the wealth and intelligence of tho district would be represented, would command attention at the hands of the Government. In the present instance, there would be some difficulty in ascertaining which are main roads in the Waikato- (to tho satisfaction of all parties). If we abolish highway boards, let us have tomething better ! — A ttep in Advance towards local self-govern-ment, and not retrogressive. lam well aware that the present rates and government subsidy are not sufficient in many instances to fceep the roads in a satisfactory state of repair, but we have no guarantee that they would be any better if taken over by the Government, Trusting that the above remnrks will call forth the oninions of others more capable of expressing thorn than I. — I am, &c, X. L.

The Home News tnjn :— Mr Walking it celebrated teacher of a high elnsi, sails in the Atrato. Ho linn been ongaged for the Board of Education in Canterbury ; female teachers are in request for the same destination, but are not to be had af the price offered— £lso per annum. Higher incomn muit bo offered before the right people can be obtained. Good touchers »re just ns much in request here as elsewhere. Bad ouei can be had for nothing— «hov are dear at that.