TOWN ACCESS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 56, 29 March 1946, Page 6

TOWN ACCESS

ROUTE OF TAURANGA STATE HIGHWAY JOINT REPRESENTATIONS TO MINISTER Mr W. Sullivan, M.P., presided at a special meeting of representatives from the Whakatane Borough Council, the Whakatane County Council and the Whakatane Harbour Board, convened recently for the purpose of discussing representations to be made to the Hon. Minister of Works at his forthcoming visit, with respect to the near district highways system. The chairman explained that the meeting had been called for a discussion by the bodies represented of the route of the proposed new Tauranga-Whakatane-Opotiki State Highway through the Whakatane Borough. It was understood that the Hon. Minister of Works would shortly be visiting the district. Representations would be made to the Minister respecting the route of the new state highway and it was most desirable that the views of the local bodies concerned should be in agreement. He considered the meeting should discuss this matter from the viewpoint of the best interests of the whole district. He tabled plans showing the present state highway, main highway and main County roading system between Matata and Opotiki, and stated it was reported that a decision had been made respecting the route of the RotoruaOpotiki state highway, which would run via Te Teko, Awakeri, White Pine Bush and Taneatua. It would seem advisable for the meeting to accept this position. Mr Sullivan explained the Borough viewpoint, Mr Boon explained that of the Whakatane Harbour Board and Mr Burnett that of the Whakatane County Council. Other speakers expressed their views.

Resolved that it be recorded that the meeting is agreed with respect to the following:— (1) That no objection be voiced to the proposed route of the Roto-rua-Opotiki state highway via Te Teko, Awakeri, White Pine Bush and Taneatua.

(2) That it be represented that the route of the state highway from Tauranga via Matata and Thornton be retained but altered to provide for the construction of the proposed new Whakatane River Bridge across the river at what is known as the “Balloon Bend” north of the Te Rahu Drain, thence proceeding to cross the Harbour Board’s endowments and linking with the Whakatane wharf main highway at the Borough business area. (3) That the speakers press for the early completion of the sealing of the highway connecting Whakatane and Taneatua.

(4) That the Minister be asked to arrange a trial survey to test the practicability of an improved route concerning the Hillcrest section of the Wainui main highway to proceed Via the south of the Maori Pa by an encirclement thereof and the valley of the Wairere Stream. (5) That the County Engineer be asked to prepare a plan showing the routes discussed by the meeting, and that when the Minister visits the district representatives of the Borough Council, the County Council and the Harbour Board wait upon him to represent the views expressed, and that the case be stated by His Worship the Mayor, the County Chairman and the Harbour Board Chairman respectively.