Awahou Pohangina Special Settlement.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 2 May 1890, Page 2

Awahou Pohangina Special Settlement.

(From Our Own Correspondent) A meeting of the settlers in the above block was held at thes choolhouae, Pohangina, on Tuesday last, to consider the advisability of borrowing under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, the sum of £3000 to make the roads in the settlement. Mr. Lucas, the representative of the Ward in the Kiwitea Road Board, attended, and explained the nature of the proposals. He pointed out that the rates accuring from the block at present amounted to only £54 per annum, whilst this year £56 had been spent on one bridle treck. The road were only obtained with much difficulty, and the amounts bad to be spent on the roads immediately opposite to the sections from which they were derived. If the proposal to borrow the £3000 was adopted, the interest could be paid out of the accruing thirds for the remaining seven years in which selectors had to pay their respective amounts to the Government, and at the end of that time the increased valuation would provide sufficient to pay the interest, without, the thought, it being necessary to call up any portion of the general rate. Mr Lucas explained the matter at some length, and very clearly, showing that the loan would be for 26 years, at 5 per cent, which would cover both interest and principal. The schedule of the loan was read, the proposal being to spend £2,500 on the main rpad, and £500 on bridle tracks on the various side roads. In answer to questions, Mr Lucas said the schedule had been drawn up by the engineer, and it could not be altered without commencing the proceedings de novo. At the same time, he was of opinion that in matters of this kind the allocation should be agreed upon by the settlers interested beforehand. Mr Russell expressed his disappointment with the schedule, as the allocation was not a fair one. The main road did not not run through the block, but only along the western boundary, and under the proposed allocation the settlers excepting the few fronting the road, would be very little benefitted by bridal tracks. Mr S. Hunt differed, and considered it was advisable to have the main road constructed first. Under this arrangement the settlers would have a good road to the side lines at any rate. He moved that the proposed loan be obtained on the schedule proposed. This was seconded by Mr Wickens and carried, the meeting generally being apparently satisfied with the schedule. Mr D. Hughey said that at first he had not been altogether in favour of the loan but after Mr Lucas' explanation he would do what he could to secure it success. It was resolved that the poll should be taken on Saturday, the 10th May, and all the members were strongly urged to record heir votes on the day, to