Nuhaka North Notes.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 209, 10 September 1901, Page 1

Nuhaka North Notes.

(TIMES CORRESPONDENT.)

(Continued.)

and a ticket to cover the return for 16s, and if suitable accommodation wore provided thousands would avail themselves of it. (o) That the (Springs be run by Government on the Gothenburg .system. To this tho Ministers said Government had at one

time thought of adopting the system, but they now had relinquished the idea, and they were afraid nothing could be done in that direction, but that subject could bo mentioned to Kir Joseph Ward.—Main Koad : That the Government be requested to take over the main road between

Wairoa and Gisborne, via the Hot Springs, because the road is distinguished by the following advantages : it is tho shortest route, the land that it runs through is superior, and is suitable for dairying purposes, it runs through more populous districts, and finally because it is the route of tourists and others to the Hot Springs. To this the Minister of Lands said ho was not favorably impressed with this route because of what he saw near Mr Shaw’s. But it was a matter of importance, and before either route was adopted, a competent and disinterested person would examine and report upon each of the three roads. I admitted that the part of the road referred to was always bad in winter, but that was mainly due to the fact that it had never been metalled, though limestone abounded near the roadsides. Further that the evil was largely counterbalanced by advantages at the other parts of tho road. The bridge at Stewart’s Crossing.— That the immediate building of the bridge is an increasing necessity. Mr Carroll said a small sum had been placed on the esti-

mates for this work. The Minister of Lands said he did not see that a bridge at that crossing was a necessity now that a bridge had been built at Mr Walker’s just below. I pointed out the fact that the road on the opposite side of the river had been partly formed. He replied that from what he had rocently seen of it, he concluded it was a very sorry substitute for a road. He continued that a bridge at the crossing would be a very expensive work while it would be exposed to danger and destruction from the floods. He thought it would ho a wiser, more enduring, and less costly job to take the road through Mr Walker’s paddocks, which would supply a shorter and much better road, If in times of flood, or when the river-mouth was closed by the sea, the bridge should be swept away or damnged, all traffic would be stopped. Bridge building and repairing were expensive works, and under any circumstances renewals must be contemplated, as a bridge of wood was no sooner built, than wear and tear ending in its destruction began. He believed the cost of building a bridge and keeping it in order would he greater than the cost of the land and the construction and maintenance of a road through the paddocks would be. While in the latter ease a better and shorter road to Waikokopu would be provided, danger to the stoppage of traffic avoided, and settlers each side of the river would have ready access to AVairoa, AVaikokopu and Gisborne. He said he would not give a decided assurance, but he gave his opinion on the subject. The Minister then requested me to call upon him again before leaving AVellington. The day I called again and saw the Ministers, and found the House had adjourned, and business suspended on account of the death of Sir John MacKenzie. I also found Sir J. G. AVard continued unwell, so I left AA’ellington without seeing him, and matters regarding the Hot Springs had necessarily to stand over. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Jobliu for his satisfactory report, which was unanimously adopted. It was resolved that the Minister of Lands be urged to secure from the natives, without further delay, the block of land recently surveyed "at AVaikokopu for harbor purposes. Considerable discussion then ensued with reference to a bridge at Stewart’s crossing, and the forming of a road through Mr AValker's property. The secretary was requested to write to the Minister of Crown Lands, and ascertain what is being done in the matter of improvements at the Thermal Springs. In the event of the reply not being satisfactory, it was resolved that petitions be circulated in the various . centres for signatures, requesting Sir J. G. AA ard to bestir himself in the matter.

Be joining the Farmers’ Union. —It was resolved that when the roll number of the Association reach 50, a branch be formed ; at present the members number ill.