“No. 1 PRIORITY”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 39, 11 June 1947, Page 5

“No. 1 PRIORITY”

WAINUI ROAD DEVIATION Explaining the urgent need for the Wainui Road deviation near Ohope, Mr Burnett told the Minister that the road had been washed out by a flood about two years ago and had since been difficult to maintain. Mr T. W. Burke, on behalf of the Wainui and Waingarara Settlers’ Association, told the Minister that the Wainui Road was used by all stock coming from the East Coast During the last few years the road had deteriorated and there was a bad slip in one place. So bad was this road that settlers called it “The Burma Road.” The proposed deviation of about three miles would cut out the worst of the old road. In its present bad state the road caused excessive wear and tear of tyres and extra petrol consumption.

Mr Semple: We have that road marked No. 1 Priority on the plan. I think it. is the most needy road in this locality. Only the difficulties due to the war have prevented us from dealing with it before this.

Mr Burke commented that the settlers would be pleased to have this assurance. Recently he had had the job of taking two accident victims in to town, and in such cases the delay of even half an hour might have had fatal consequences. Whenever it rained settlers wondered how long they were going to be isolated. “We feel grateful to learn that it is No. 1 Priority,” added Mr Burke. \ • ' Mr Burnett added that the county council would also have a feeling of relief, as this road had been constantly before the council. BOROUGH’S SUPPORT

Concern was expressed at Monday’s meeting of the Whakatane Borough Council at the prospect of the Wainui deviation road not receiving high priority as had been announced by the Minister of Works, Mr Semple, at Whakatane. It was stated that' the Minister had not repeated this statement When speaking at Tauranga. The Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, said the Wainui road was of great importance to the borough. The council should follow up this matter and ask that road improvements be given priority. Councillors recalled that the Minister had definitely said at Whakatane that the Wainui Road had “No. 1 Priority.” A motion was approved asking the Minister to give the Wainui Road priority. Copies of this letter will be sent to the County Council and the Wainui Settlers’ Association.