KUMARA JUNCTION-KAPITEA ROAD

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1928, Page 1

KUMARA JUNCTION-KAPI-TEA ROAD

The above work on the sea bench road line from Greymouth, has been again the subject of further correspondence with the Government. As a result of further representations on tlio matter, Mr Seddon, M.P., has now received the following reply from the Minister of Public Works which seems to indicate that for this year at all events, further provision on the estimates will not be made. The Minister writes under date July 31st:— “Jn reply to your letter of the 29th June, with which you forwarded a letter dated 27th June, addressed to you by the clerk, Westland County Council, covering further representations in regard to the expenditure of last year’s grant of £4OO (£2OO, £l,for £1) on the Kumara Junction-Ivapitea road, I have to advise that the additional points raised by the County Clerk have been investigated. “ Regarding the amount of settlement which would be served if the road was continued to Chesterfield, it is still contended that only three settlers would benefit, and as previously pointed out, these already have access by the railway, and are, therefore, in a much better position than many others in various parts of the County. In connection with the County Clerk’s remarks concerning the Kapitea sawmill, V am advised that, although it is at present operating and so employing a few hands, it is probable that it will bo cut out within two or three years, and the area from which the timber is being taken will not be suitable for settlement purposes. “The estimated cost of completing formation to Chesterfield, reforming the portion which was formed many years ago, and metalling, in addition to the necessary bridges, is in the vicinity of £3,800, and it is considered i that no appreciable benefit would be

derived from further expenditure unless the whole work were put in hand and completed within a reasonably short time. ) “ I have carefully considered the whole of the circumstances as outlined above, and am of the opinion that the expenditure of so large a sum is not warranted, more particularly at the present time when there arc so many much more urgent works requiring attention. You arc doubtless awaic that there are a large number of urgent works in the Westland County alone, and I am advised that the applications received for consideration this year are already in excess of the allocation. “ I regret to state, therefore, that I am unable to depart from the decision conveyed to you in my earlier lettci which was to the effect that .1 could not agree to the authorisation of the amount requested by the local body.