STEWART'S CROSSING, NUHAKA RIVER, H.B.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 31, 6 February 1905, Page 3

STEWART'S CROSSING, NUHAKA RIVER, H.B.

This dangerous crossing still remains unhridsed, although numerous petitions have been presented by the residents of the Morers, Nuhaka, Mania, and other districts such as Wairoa and Frasertown. which are affected by the present unsatisfactory and dangerous condition of this ford, which is situated on the mam coach road from Gisborne to Wairoa, connecting with Napier. It is a positive menace to human life (as already three unfortunate victims have k>st their lives, which no doubt does not cause the powers who are responsible any qualms of conscience), as well as retarding the above-mentioned districts, as settlers cannot get their products convened to their several markets. It also affects the tourist as the general traffic, which is a very serious drawback to all concerned. It appears that there is a "inn of £575 in the hands of the Wairoa County Council, proceeds of the sale of the Nuhaka ferry reserve of 37 acres. In addition the General Government voted a sum of £300 towards the erection of a bridge. Likewise a sum of £ 800 was voted for the purpose of making a road between Morere and Waikokopu, but in the opinion of the Government Road Engineer for Hawke's Bay this sum could be re-allocated, so that a grand total of £ 1675 is available for the purpose. A very liberal offer was made by Mr George Walker, of Nuhaka, to deviate the present road through his property, which wou-ld obviate the construction of a bridge, but his offer, as well as the carrying out of this crying want, has been treated with negiect and apathy by the authorities who are responsible. If these so-called guardians of the public safety will not construct a bridge, why do they not provide a punt for the travelling public, who are entitled to be protected from perils of drowning, and th inconvenience of getting themselves and their effects wet in fording the River Nuhaka. Probably if an action for damages was instituted by the long-suffering , residents, as well as by the general travelling public, it might cause the powers that are resI ponsible to take immediate steps to ; have this dangerous ford bridged, reigardless of cost.—(Correspondent.)