MR O’BRIEN’S WORK FOR HAAST PASS ROAD RECALLED BY MR KENT

Grey River Argus, 15 April 1948, Page 4

MR O’BRIEN’S WORK FOR HAAST PASS ROAD RECALLED BY MR KENT

[Special to “Argus”! DUNEDIN, April 14.

“My predecessor, the late Hon. James O’Brien, was fully seized of the importance of this work, and it was through his strenuous efforts and advocacy that the work was not stopped altogether during the war period, but ,was kept from going back so that it could be proceeded with as soon as men and materials became available,” said Mr J. B. Kent, M.P. for Westland, seconding a motion by Mr F. F. Boustridge, asking the Government to resume work on the Haast Pass Road at the conference of South Island local bod.es and Members of Parliament After an excellent colour film had been shown to assembled delegates by Mr Fraser of the Automobile Association, the conference urged upon the Government the early completion of the road, which would open up the tourist routes of the island, and in their opinion, be of great commercial use. Mr Kent thanked Mr Fraser for showing the film of the route from Ross through the Haast, which, Mr Kent added, told the story far better than words could illustrate.

VITAL TO TOURIST I RADE As Member for Westland he was vitally interested in the importance of the Haast Pass route, and realised its importance to the whole of Westland and to the Dominion’s tourist routes. Coupled with the making of the road from Paringa to the Haast, the pass route would link Wleheka and Pembroke (Lake Wanaka) which at present were dead ends, said M’r Kent. Not only would it give a great impetus to tourist traffic, but it would tap the virgin forests of South Westland, and would eventually lead to the opening up of thousands of acres of the best grazing country in New Zealand. Mr Kent recalled that fat cattle from South Westland commanded the highest prices at market. “What Otago lacks, Westland produces,” said Mr Kent. “And the same applies the other way, with Otago’s great manufacturing industries and our great supplies of raw materials. This land, which can be opened, is teeming with natural wealth and opportunity, has great national value. Anything the Association can do to further the project will have my whole-hearted support,” he concluded. SOUTHERN M.P.’s OPPOSITION Two southern Nationalist Members of Parliament, Messrs T. L. Macdonald (Wallace) and J. R. Hanan (Invercargill) sponsored an amendment urging the Government to complete, as well, the Hollyford and Milford roads. Eventually the Mayor of Gore, Mr A. T. Newman, moved an amendment to this effect, this being seconded by Mr Hanan who predicted that one day Milford Sound would be the main port of entry for tourists into New Zealand. “This country has a wonderful future, and tlie Haast Pass connection will contribute greatly,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland.

The road would provide the muchneeded junction between the provinces of Otago and Westland said Mi - Boustridge. The Government had to give attention to other roads —Milford being one—and it would be difficult to decide on priority, said Mi- Macdonald, M.P.

The voting resulted in the loss of the amendment and it was decided to request the Government to complete the Haast Pass road as soon as possible.

WESTLAND COUNTY NOT REPRESENTED

At yesterday’s meeting of the Westland County Council, the chairman, Mr M. Wallace, stated that he had been unable to attend the Dunedin conference.

Mr W’allace said: “I took the liberty of compiling a report on the continuation of the Haast Pass road, the matter which I intended to bring before the conference, and forwaded same to them.” Copies of the report were supplied to council members and all congratulated Mr Wallace on the fine work he had done. RAIL TO WATAROA A subject which has been interesting South Westland settlers fox- a long time, the continuation of the Ross railway line to Wataroa, was brought forward by the Westland County Council at its meeting yesterday. Councillor J. Donovan moved and the council carried the motion, that the Government’s attention be drawn to the need fox’ the development of the railroad to Wataroa. “This would not only open up more of South Westland, but would be a great asset when shifting stock.” said Cx' Donovan.