POSSIBILITIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 101, 15 December 1939, Page 6 (Supplement)

POSSIBILITIES

Ohope's future lies therefore in the lap of the gods. Actually too big for the control of a County roading Authority, it presents potential expansion and an increasing population Avhich makes it imperative to introduce planning, layout and control, for the time cannot be far distant Avhcn it Avill be recognised as the leading resort 011 the East Coast.

MAIN HIGHWAY PROPOSAL LOCAL ADMINISTRATION Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, a strong movement was afoot to bring the main highway to the East Coast through Whakatane over the bluff at the Heads and then via Otawairerc bay to the Ohope foreshore. The course then to be followed was along the coastline, across the Ohiwa entrance and thence on to Opotiki. The proposal received the warmest support in Whakatane where it was realised that all through traffic would be diverted to the town and further that Ohope Beach, now rapidly becoming a residential area for the citizens would be littler more than five or seven minutes distance from the business centre. Unfortunately Lhe war interfered with the move which was gaining much headway, and though the scheme has not 'been dropped by any

means it has been forced somewhat to the background in the face of more important national questions. It is anticipated however that the Minister of Public Works will be visiting the district in the near future and will make a personal inspection of the proposed route to be followed. Should there be any possibility whatsoever of pushing the matter through, Whakatanc will reap a remarkable benefit. Opening New Land. Not only will the beach and its residential section, become part of greater Whakatanc, but the new road would throw open for settlement the whole of the sloping land above, the Pa and the Heads Road. The gradient will not be severe and homes built on the rising land on either side of the road would command beautiful views of the magnificent Bay of Plenty coastline. This in itself would relieve the congestion near the toAvn and provide a ready-made suburban area which is actually closer to the business centre than the major number of homes already within the Borough boundary. The rock-bound beauty of Otawaircre Bay would be open to the view of all who passed along the coastal road, while the drive through would be capped a mile further on Avitli the broad vista of Ohope Beach itself slowly unfolding a scene of golden sand, snowy breakers, and bachlined shore backed with green poliutukawas. Fuller Control. The recent move to bring about more adequate administrative control has led to. a meeting of Ohope ratepayers for the express purpose of introducing methods of tire protection suitable roading, and recreational ..facilities. It is realised that at the rate the settlement is growing it will present a major problem in n few .years time, unless suitable measures are introduced to govern its expansion, and provide by-laws for its buildings, drainage and sanitation. To meet the position the suggestion of forming a town board has been mooted, but as yet it has noi been proceeded with, owing to the fact that the Government with an eye to consolidation has frowned upon any movement to create new local bodies. The alternative, should more intensive administration be desired is to include Ohope as part of the Borough of Whalcatane. To do this however it is necessary to have ■;ome tangible link with the town. This could be either by road or coasfal boundary, and is open to investigation.