KAIKOURA ROAD.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1923, Page 1

KAIKOURA ROAD.

MINISTER INSPECTS FLOOD DAMAGE. KATKOURA. May 28. The Hon J. G. Coates, accompanied by Air G. AY. Forbes. AI.P., and Air J. Langbein, District Engineer, arrived in Kaikoura this afternoon. The Minister left AVellington on Saturday night, arriving in Christchurch oil Sunday morning, and going on to Hanmel’. This morning he set out for Kaikoura, and on arrival at Atkins, south of the Whale's Back and the Conway. At the Conway river Messrs AT. Bothell and Atkins left the party and the Kaikoura County Councillors took them in hand. Near the accommodation house an al fresco meal, supplied by Air A. J. O’Malley, was partaken of, and the journey was commenced for Kaikoura. The Charwell deviation was the first undertaking to he contended with. The hillside had collapsed and tho road had vanished. Air P. Curran, of Currans Motors, had the visitors aboard his car. while the balance of the party came on with a. car supplied by the Kaikoura United Motor Company. The Charwell had to be crossed six times, and a rough car ride had to he undertaken. Minor slips were met with on route until the Cribb Creek bridge was reached, where the approaches have been washed away. Further east a deviation had to lie made where the Kowlini river had made a oh aim el through the Fernleigh property. At the Kowlini bridge, the southern approach has been washed away. Reaching Kaikoura, the Alimstor and party were driven out to Hapuku, and an inspection was made of flood damage in Kaikoura Suburban. It was an experience for a Minister of the Crown, and Mr Coates is perhaps the only member of the Ministry who could undertake such a trip. He will go back to AA’ellington fully conversant with the situation, and will have everything at his linger ends. This evening tho Minister was entertained at dinner at tho New Club Hotel, and to-morrow he will set out to inspect the South Const road. and should arrive in Christchurch in time t., ,-atcli the ferry steamer for AVellington. As all the bridge approaches have gone between Kaikoura. and Cheviot, part of the journey will have to he done on horsback, and the Minister will no doubt ho pleased when his journey comes to an end. Air Forbes will leave the party at Cheviot.