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Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1930, Page 4

The battle of the routes for Petersen road has developed into quite a general assault. The local body has had its troubles over the settlement of the dispute, and the final culmination was something of an open breach among some of the representatives of the Riding. It does not appear plain why tliero should have been so much heat generated over the matter. Four routes were open finally for selection, and in presenting' the fourth alternative, Mr Mclntosh who is primarily affected by the road in any case passing through his improved section, was able to make the Council quite a generous offer. He has offered to complete the metalled road at once along a line which in all the circumstances will do him the' least harm. In making that offer he explained lie desired to save his best land, and as a load through it would destroy it for ever, he sought by taking another route, he could save it for ever. He emphasises his case by offering to finish the road now without cost to the Government or ratepayers. The route proposed is said to be only a quarter of n. mile longer than tlie original road line, and that is not a serious obstacle when its accomplishment means the district will be presented with a road, without cost to anyone but Mr McIntosh. It is estimated to carry out what he offers will involve Mr Meintosh in an expenditure of at least £2OO, and that substantial sum is an indication of how Mr Mclntosh feels iri regard to saving his best land intact for future productivity. Summed un, ft mentis that a road will be available free -of cost within- three months-—which is an economy in both monev and time to the ratepayers. He will leave intact the existing rond reserve to be used only for production and to be used bv him until such tii'fies as it may be required through the outside road being threatened bv the river—which is a reasonable safeguard to make. On these grounds’ it seems remarkable that so much heat should have been developed. The latest offer in this matter now appears in its present form for the first time, and it was probably so magnanimous that its advantages were r.ot realised readily. But when councillors and ratepayers alike have th© fuller opportunity to studv the position and the true import of The offer, they will realise that as one of the speakers said at, the meeting, “the Council is on a win.” Some £3OO at least of Co”utv monev will be saved and upwards of £SOO Government monev, by the offer of Mr Mclntosh to earn’ out the front road route, in lieu of leaving it to the authorities to proceed very les-'urely year hv year with the construction along the original line as / the Government grants are dribbled out. On the present offer the road may be completed for use, before it is oossiibl© to at all advance the surveverl road line funds not being available.