The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930. ROADING OUTLETS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930. ROADING OUTLETS.

Thk orgamsauon or tne Greymoutu Automuoue Association is very active, unci lias bevn doing good work in placing uetore tire nutlHniues tins neeu i.or ti<o Jdeaiey bridge re tueiutate wonst t runic caii6 unu west, Promises m respect to tnis matter were made by the Canterbury Automobile Association, and through that’ ’"influential body, pressure has been kept up on me Loam, wmen lias / euarge of the road, and is not without funds to carry out what is required. A site lias been surveyed, ana it is pleasing to learn that it has been decided practically to proceed with the construction of a light traffic bridge, the provision of winch will be a boon to tratiic, and will greatly facilitate trails port to and from the Coast. The organisation at Greymouth has not let up in its agitation for this \ei'y desirable work, and it is pleasing indeed to tineas its efforts successful. In connection with the Otira route, the Greymouth Automobile Association also pressed the matter for preference on the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, which body of late has been disposed rather to favour the Lewis Pass route as of prime importance. That route is of course very remote so far as the centre of the Coast is concerned, and in the interests of all traffic it is more important to see the Otira route perfected, as it serves the greater population, and is already an existing highway, needing only improved maintenance of some bridge works, rather than entire construction as in the case of the Lewis Pass route. In asking for the full support of J he Canterbury Chamber, the Greymouth hody pointed out the West Coast road from Springfield to Otira, was affected mainly 'by the lack of a bridge over the Waimakariri at the Beaiev. This route gives a service from Christchurch to the Coast of five or Six hours, and must be of value to Canterbury commercial interests. The Association pointed out very properly that it considered the improved connection much more important than the opening of a new road, which would not benefit the Coast proper, Ac tnally the Bealey-Otira route is 100 miles shorter than any other route, and that fact emphasised the outstanding importance of the matter. <t V'o same meeting the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce had before it a letter from the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce which discounted the Otira route and praised the Lewis Pass route. This appears an extraordinary attitude, after all the years the Otira route has l»e n n used, and these is proof of its usefulness. Fortunately the Canterbury Chamber bad full knowledge of the position, and its Transriort Committee had ruled that the Waimakariri should be bridged, aid while supporting both routes. gave preference to the bridge. This is satisfactory and it seems most untorl'inate that the, Otira route should he brought into question. The road has a history and a reputation from the earliest days, and it is remiss surely

that with all the development which lias gone on in other ways, mat the improvement of the mad in respect to essentials should be left to this late stage. Probably it was that the route was eclipsed temporarily bv the coming of the through railway but i <>w that the motor age is so well established. tho need -for the road is paramount. 'l'he volume of traffic ea/st and west by motor gives the Highways Board a large slice of income, and it is only right with the funds accumulating, the money should be spent to the (best advantage where earned. The road is the link with the East Coast, joining up with West Coast roads by a direct line, which pas ( s through scenery unsurpassed, and leading to tho unique natural playground supplied by tho southern glacier region. With the completion of the Waimnkariri bridge there will be a marked impetus in through motoring and the means for greater service to the districts tapped, will be provided.