HEATED DISCUSSION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 35, 30 May 1947, Page 5

HEATED DISCUSSION

WAIOHO STREAM AND STATE HIGHWAY A lengthy.and heated discussion on letters regarding the Council’s proposed drainage scheme for the Waioho Stream and the declaration of the White Pine Bush route as a Main Highway took place at the County meeting on Tuesday. The letters were as follows:

■ Main Highways Board: Referring to interview in Whakatane on 10th February when the suggested highway route from Rotorua to Whakatane to Gisborne, White Pine Bush section, was discussed in relation to the council’s proposed drainage scheme for the Waioho Stream. The writer said at the time that the Board should endeavour to have the highway survey made in order that the council could get on with the scheme. However, it appears that no highway is involved, but only a road, and in view of this neither the Main Highway Board nor the Public Works Department is interested to the extent that they should provide survey staff. The declaration of the White Pine Bush, route as a Main Highway can be considered if and when declarations are being made. The work envisaged by the council is very desirable and would probably give a flood-free and straighter roadway. This work, however, which is primarily one. for the Local Body and the Soil Conservation Council, has no bearing on the declaration of the road (which is quite a good one, except for a number of sharp bends), as a Main or State Highway. The County Chairman reported that at the reecnt meeting of the No. 3 District Highways Council it was decided to represent to the Main Highways Board the declaration of th.e Awakeri-Taneatua road as a State Highway. It was resolved that the chairman, Main Highways Board be advised accordingly.

Waioho Stream

Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council: There seems to be no likelihood of any early action re declaration of a main highway at this point and if the County desires to raise the question of diverting the stream, its correct action is to make application to the Soil Conservation Council for subsidy. It appears that aspects which should be covered, are:—

(1) Extent and frequency of flooding.

(2) Acreage and valuation of area concerned. (3) Detailed estimate.

’ (4) Can the : work be carried out now, i.e. can necessary plant be made available. (5) What would be the effect on lower reaches of the Waioho stream, i.e. increased flooding or silting.

Resolved that the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council be advised in accordance with the County Chairman’s report. Councillors stated'that this appeared to be a direct attempt to confuse the issue. The drainage scheme was badly needed and it was criminal to stand by and see some of the best land in the Bay be unproductive for months.

Another Councillor spoke of the slow progress made by the P.W.D. on the Taneatua road and stated that a private contractor had shifted more spoil in 26 days than the P.W.D. gang had in 12 months.

It was decided to refer the matter to the Minister 9f Public Works on his visit next month.