SOUTH WESTLAND MATTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1928, Page 4

SOUTH WESTLAND MATTERS

MR SEDDON -MAKES REPRESENTATIONS. Following his late visit to South Westland, and arising out of the recent flood damage in South Westland between Mount Hercules and Weheka, Mr T. E. Y. Seckloii, M.P., has kept the requirements of the district before the authorities.

in the course of a statement to a representative of the press, Mr Seddon indicated he had had frequent interviews with tlie District Engineer of Public Works', had waited on the Main Highways Board, and had been in constant touch with the lion. Minister of Public Works and the Prime Minister. The result had been generally very satisfactory.

In regard to flood damage it would surprise most iolk to learn that the official estimate of the cost ol repairs, exceeded .£4,000, made up as follows : Harilmri to Waiho £2000: south o! Waiho, £2400. The Public Works Department, however, is giving several matters commendable attention. Mr T. A. Johnston, District Engineer, is to proceed south to-day to investigate the situation at the Mataroa deviation, and later to inspect the other damage, proceeding south probably as far as AVaikukupa or Weheka. Mr Seddon was informed that at the AVataroa erosion a permanent deviation will take some time to construct. However, a temporary deviation ol 10 chains is being made. It is the intention to put in a permanent deviation as soon as the route is settled upon, and the Alain Highways Board has sanctioned tlie work.

To restore AA’aitangi traffic bridge, new hardwood piles have been procured, and tlie permanent repairs will bo put in hand as soon as possible. Mr Seddon also said that the protection for Walsh’s section at AA’aitangi would also be put in hand shortly.

'flic* contribution from the County Council has simplified the matter, and he hoped this would enable the settlers’ contribution to be reduced to £SO, aim to that end the District Engineer had recommended the Public AYorks contribution be increased to £l5O. Ibe member for AYestlaud thought this a very fair proposal in all the circumstances, and lie hoped the proposed work would be a success in preventing further erosion, as well as the flooding of Richardson road, which could then be put in hand for the settlers’ use. In regard fo the restoration ol A\ aikukupa bridge, enquires are being made ns to possibility of obtaining wiLliin a given time, the necessary local timber for the new truss spans. It is hoped tlie local mills will he able to supply the material promptly. Alcantime the clearing of the slips to reopen the road lor wheel traffic is in liaml, and the Department is giving their host attention to the matter. Air Seddon was able to make an important statement in regard to ■the main highway south, and particularly in regard to the bridges, following the late visit of the Alain Highways Board, important decisons have been reached. These include the following matters :

Ross Road. The construction of the main highway deviation and reinforced concrete culvert at Horseshoe bend is to he commenced in a lew weeks. Detour Road at AVataroa. This road taking in sections of Brandt’s road. Seallv road and AVataroa flat road, has been maintained by the Comity Council. Jt is now to be declared part of the main highway, and its future

maintenance and also improvement, will be the responsibility ol the Main Highways Hoard.

.More Bridges. There lire, Air ■‘•eddon said, some sixteen crossings, still to ho bridged between Harilmri and AA'aiho. Surveys in connection with all these arc to be made, and construction estimates prepared. Slaty Creek bridge will be put in hand as soon as the balance of the material is to hand. The' next bridge to be erected will be at .McCullough Creek, to be followed by the bridge at McDonald Creek. Tlie smaller stream crossings will be taken in order of their importance—am! probably six or seven will be completed this year. This is ;i programme which will lie approved very generally, said -Mr Seddon, and indicates that the requirements of the district not only are receiving attention but really special attention.

Mr Seddon said lie hoped to' pay a short visit south again before the ses-

sion so as to note the progress of works, and ascertain if any further effort on Ills part could facilitate matters. He was satisfied, however, with the assurances he had received from the Ministers and the Departments concerned, that the best would he done for tiie district, and lie had expressed his thanks and appreciation for the consideration extended to the requirements of tile district and the pressing needs of the settlers.