WAINUI HIGHWAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 87, 6 July 1945, Page 5

WAINUI HIGHWAY

HIGH COST OF DEVIATION MINISTER TO MEET SETTLERS In response to a letter received by the Whakatane County Council at its last meeting from the Minister of Works, regarding the proposed deviation of the Wainui main highway to avoid that section now becoming notoriously known, as llie 'Burma Road ' the chairman and engineer have been instructed by the council to bring the matter up once again to the Minister when they are in Wellington this month. The letter concerned stated that the matter had been discussed with the Chairman of the Main Highways Board and as the council was aware the road had been a source of constant worry and expense over a period of years. Although a considerable amount of money had been spent on repairs at different times, it was apparently not possible to guarantee that further trouble will not take place. It therefore appeared that the only satisfactory method of dealing with the problem was by the construction of an alternative route. Some investigations had already been made in this respect but the estimated cost was approximately £25,000 and the Main Highways Board was unable to provide its share of such at present. It seemed that the construction of some alternative route would require to be considered as one of the lirst postwar works to be undertaken. The Minister added that he was prepared to meet the Wainui settlers when next in the district. The County Clerk reported that Mr White on behalf, of the Wainui settlers had been supplied with a copy of the Hon. Minister's letter.