NEW MOTOR SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1930, Page 2

NEW MOTOR SERVICE

COAST TO BLENHEIM

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association ,

BLENHEIM. April 16

Realising the virtual completion < a highway to the AYcst Coast, tlifirst motor service from Picton 1 Westport, via Blenheim, Wairau Yr. ley, Tophouse and Murchison, w; inaugurated to-day. Jt was partic, larly appropriate that the servo should bo pioneered by the well known firm of Newman Bros, who 5 years ago blazed the coach routes o this end of the South island.

For the, present the service wi’ only he tri-weeklv, lint as the rout' becomes popular for use by tourisi and West Coast business men, as i most assuredly will', cars will run dail botli ways.

jfc is anticipated that by the ann versary of the big earthquake, th Buffer Gorge Road will he reopenec and it is predicted that it will he • safer road and a finer scenic rout than ever before.

When the Gorge is reopened fen traffic, it will he possible to breakfas in Westport, and dine in AVellingcon provided the Cook Strait ferry rum to suit.

To mark the launching of the new service, and the opening of the route. Newmans entertained fifty-five repre sentiitives of local , and public bodie; of Marlborough, Nelson and the We-o Coast at luncheon in Alurchison, which is now the centre at which the service cars from . AlarlibiM'ough, Nelson ant the Const meet. A large contingent of Alarlborougli public men were conveyed via the new road, auid wore im-pre-'esd with the excellence of its construction. At the luncheon, congratulatory speeches were made, the occasion being hailed as marking the beginning of a new era in road communications in the northern end oi the South Island. Afterwards coloured ribbons, representing the three provinces, were stretched across tin .highway; and were severed by Air E. F. Healey, M.P., for AVairua; Alt W. Aloffott (Mayor of Nelson), a,in' Mr J. H. Harkness (Mayor of West, port).