HOPAI WEST ROAD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5116, 20 April 1927, Page 2

HOPAI WEST ROAD.

greater width desired. MINISTER SYMPATHETIC. The deplorable state, of the right-of-way known as Hopai West Road was pointed out to the, Minister, of Lands and the Minister, of Public Works during their visit to the Plains last week by Mr J. Neate, one of the three settlers concerned.

Mr Neate said it was. only half a chain wide, and out of this over 12ft was taken up by .a deep drain, with the result that the traffic was concentrated on to a very narrow strip, which became impassable for nine months, in an average year. The road w.as disowned by the Lands Depart; nient and by the County Council. The chief drainage engineer, Mr O. N. Campbell, explained to the Minister of Lands that it was originally intended to provide access to the sections of Mr Neate and his neighbours by way of Pouarua Road. Howeve>\ from an engineering standpoint this, had proved impracticable, and as* a temporary expedient the right-of-way had been granted. Pouarua Road could now be used, and. from a departmental point of view access was available.

Various factors in connection with past negotiations in connection with Hopin’ West Road were, given by Cr. C. W. Parfitt, riding member. Provided the additional strip of land necessary to make the road a reasonable width was obtained the Count;/ Council would accept dedication on condition that the Lands Department clayed and formed it up to the standard of the other clay roads. Mr O. N. Campbell said that he was prepared to recommend the department to make a grant of £5OO for the claying of the road provided Mr Motion gave a strip of land to make, it one chain in width. This would bring the road to the average state of a clay road, and the County Council could then accept dedication and control.

Mr E. L. Walton, county chairman, said that if this was done the cohnp.il would endeavour to find means of metalling it.

The Minister said that tiic facts of the case would be investigated.