NEW WORKS PLAN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24899, 12 June 1946, Page 10

NEW WORKS PLAN

Sir,—l have read and studied with great interest Mr Semple’s proposals for development in North Canterbury and Central Otago, and have been impressed with the scope and magnitude of the works envisaged. Would it be possible for you to supply to your readers a rough estimate (within a hundred million pounds would be near enough) of the cost of the same expressed in New Zealand currency? I feel sure the total for the Dominion’s coverage would be an arresting total— Yours, etc., R. FINCH. Oamaru, June 10, 1946.

Sir, —I see in Saturday’s paper, a long list of development schemes for North Canterbury, prepared by the Department of Works. It seems that the back country is still not worfh considering as worthy of development. The Inland road from Waiau to Kaikoura is a disgrace to the name of main highway. Thirteen and a half miles from Waiau there is a slip on a piece of road known as Peaches Cutting, which has caused motorists endless inconvenience and damage to vehicles over a period of two years. Eight inches or more of papa mud of porridge consistency has to be negotiated for a distance of two chains. Then there is the Mason river, another hazard, the magnitude of which only those who have to negotiate it know. A Ministerial tour of the area might lead to something being done in this matter. —Yours, etc.. FAIR PLAY TO ALL. June 9, 1946.

Sir,—On Saturday you published a comprehensive list of major works projects for Canterbury, to be done in the next 10 years. The list discloses that the powers that be seem to have forgotten that there are many thirsty taxpayers between Oxford and Rangiora. So why not include a water pipe line from the Ashley Gorge through the downs country to Rangiora. These parts have to depend on rain water for household use and stock. Furthermore, it could be used to help out the overtaxed Rangiora town water supply.—Yours; etc., DRY. Rangiora, June 9, 1946.

Sir,—After reading in the Hon. R. Semple’s 10-year plan of the Sockburn industrial loop, I would ask why not run the railway from Sockburn to Chaneys, then to New Brighton, to connect with Woolston? Erect a 20yard dragline in the Waimakariri and use the shingle for State houses, highways, etc. The shingle left over could be used to build an overhead railway, as mentioned. The Waimakariri is a danger, houses a necessity. Work both jobs together. It would mean free shingle for State houses, the new hospital, the new railway station, etc. It would also build the railway, remove a great danger from the Waimakariri, and save, the people of New Zealand thousands of pounds a year.— Yours, etc.. v PAY AS YOU GO. June 8, 1946.