EMERGENCY EXIT

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 60, 8 September 1931, Page 10

EMERGENCY EXIT

IN CASE OF SLIPS AND FIRE

VIA WADESTOWN AND NGAIO

"Wellington, as has been frequentlypointed out, has only one traffic exit, which may be blocked by slips on the Hutt road or fires in Thorndon. With tho importance of having an alternative exit for traffic from the city in mind, the Wellington Automobile Club waited on the Mayoi (Mr. T. 0. A. Hislop) recently, and placed the matter before him. ' It was pointed out that tho Hutt road was already much congested at ordinary times, and particularly on holidays and Sundays. Three years ago four thousand vehicles a day were using it, a number probably now increased. Slips on the Hutt road caused much inconvenience, and fires at the oil stores at Thorndon would have a serious effect on traffic. By connecting the road from Ngaio to Wadestown another exit from the city would be secured. This would relieve the Hutt road at ordinary times, and in the event of that being blocked would serve as an outlet from the city. The only other outlet was via ")hariu Valley by which route it was eighteen miles to Johnsonville. The distance by the present route through Ngahauranga Gorge between Johnsouville and the Post Office was six milea. The distance by the road suggested through Khaudallah, Ngaio, and Wadestown was only slightly longer, but in regard to access to Karori it saved several miles. The work would be an ideal one under No. 5 scheme, for thp relief of unemployment, absorbing up to 200 men. Apparently there w<re no great engineering difficulties to overcome. At the meeting of the executive of tlu Automobile Cluo last night a reply was received from Mr. Hislop stating that he had had the matter reported upon by tho City Engineer, and dealt with by the Works Committee. "It is not considered at the present time," wrote Mr. Hislop, "that there is sufficient money available for this work. The City Engineer points out that for the work to be done properly there would be heavy incidental expenses for bridging, culverting, acquisition of property, metal, etc.; and that the country served by this road is undeveloped. When the development of this territory is put in band it is reasonabbl* to expect that the owners thereof will contribute a portion of tho cost and dedicate the necessary laud for improving the locality. At a later dnte, if finance permits, the matter might be taken into consideration." The letter was received, the chairman expressing disappointment that the work could not be gone on with as a relief to unemployment.