EAST COAST HIGHWAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 52, 27 February 1945, Page 4

EAST COAST HIGHWAY

Sir, —As the question of the proposed main highway in this district seems to be taking a prominent place in local affairs the time is fitting for a few comments. Several questions present themselves for solution. Let me give them as follows:—(1) If the main highway comes through the township are we to have another road over the hilltops? (2) Are we desirous, of having a tunnel through the hills- or should the highway continue around the Heads? There is. nothing t.o prevent-either ways although thre will be many who will object to a main highway running the full length of the rjeach bccause of its supposed dangerous nature which Icjuls us to question

(3) Do we want the beach to develop along modern lines or to remain as it. is—"a beach where oeeational people swim?" L.et us not remain lethargie over the last few remarks concerning the beach simply because it is out of the borough boundaries. In fact it would reflect more upon Whakatane people by way of importance than it would on the County of Whakatane. It is obvious that the beach cannot be left as a resting place, for those who care to have a quiet holiday. We must remember that the modern tendancy is away from this kind of quietude and this- tendancy will predominate whether we like it or not. We can forget that a main higb-i way through Ohope would be gerous when Ave realise that lions of people do not. seem to be greatly perturbed at having to live in city areas. Man is a very adaptable creature. Referring back to question oneShould we not deprecate any suggestion of another hill road? Main highways are built in order that traffic can get on its way in, top gear not philandering with gear levers. The Pukerua Bay-Paekakariki main highway only opened about 4 years ago runs around the waterfront it having by-passed the road over the hilltops which is now mainly used by those who care to have a 'birds--ye' view of the seaboard which [ agree is very inspiring but main highways have no sentiment.

■„ Can we then say that Ave desire s the main highway through the town- _ ship—around the Heads, and coni tinue along the full length of the 7 beach on its way to Opoti'ki. It is up to all organisations in . the borough to bring pressure to bear in the right quarters. A pub--1 lie meeting would assist greatly in this direction besides giving the i public an opportunity of airing its , views;. ; The highway must no>t by-pass us ' as the railway has done. This branch of the Labour Party is willing to assist in any way possible to bring about the desired end. Yours etc. J. DITCHFIELD 4 , Sec., Whakatane Branch N.Z.L.P.