MR ROLLESTON IN WAIKATO

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1517, 25 March 1882, Page 2

MR ROLLESTON IN WAIKATO

The hon. the Minister for Lands, accompanied by Mr J". B. Whyte, M.H.R., arrived in Hamilton from Te Aroha last evening. Shortly after his arrival at Gwynne's hotel, he was waited on by Mr Duncan, chairman of the Raglan County Council, on the subject of road works in that district. Mr Duncan, on being introduced by Mr J. B. Whyte, informed Mr Rolleston that, having missed the opportunity of seeing the Premier while in Hamilton, he was glad of the chance now afforded him of bringing under his (Mr Rolleston's) notice some matters which required the attention of the Government in the Raglan district. He would first refer to the business in connection with the vote of £500, which had been placed upon the Public Works Estimates last session for the Raglan and Kawhia road. No steps had as yet been taken by the Government to have this money spent. The sum of £1500 had already been expended upon the road mentioned, from which no benefit whatever could accrue until some more work was done to the road, for which this £500 had been voted. When this road was finished there would then be a good road from the Waikato right through to Aotea. He trusted Mi Rolleston would use his influence in having this matter attended to as soon as possible. Mr F. A. Whitaker would supply him with all the other information necessary upon the subject. Mr Rolleston in reply said : He saw the necessity of attending to the business referred to by Mr Duncan, and although it did not rightly come within the province of his department, would promise that it would receive his attention as soon as he had seen Mr Whitaker, and returned to Wellington. Mr Duncan also referred to the necessity which existed, that something should be done towards metalling a portion of the road over the Hakaramata range to Raglan. A considerable amount of wheeled traffic was now being clone on the road spoken of ; and as the Government at the present time allowed a certain yearly sum for the keeping of that road in repair, he thought they would find it to their advantage to do this. Stone for the purpose could be procured all along the road. Mr Knox, Mayor of Hamilton, who was present, quite coincided with Mr Duncan in this matter. Mr Rolleston promised that lie would keep in mind the suggestion offered by Mr Duncan. Mr Duncan then thanked Mr Rolleston for his courtesy, and withdrew.