OPARURE—WAITOMO ROAD.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 153, 6 May 1909, Page 2

OPARURE—WAITOMO ROAD.

DURING the recent visit of the Minister for Roads to the district the question of putting through the road from Oparure to Waitomo Caves was brought before the Minister. From time to time this matter has been discussed, and among others referred to the notice of the authorities, but hitherto no concerted action has been taken to push the matter vigorously. The present and growing importance of the requirement, however, demands that steps shall be taken to advocate this road as one of the most important works of the district. The direct connection of Waitomo Caves with Te Kuiti will manifestly be a very great convenience to the townspeople, whlie infinitely greater benefits will accrue to the settlers concerned. The fact of Te Kuiti being a stopping place for the night express between Auckland and Wellington, renders it necessary that settlers shall have reasonable access to the train centre, while the growing importance of the local stock market also demands for the settler a direct connection therewith. Moreover, the country lying between Oparure and Waitomo is as yet entirely unroaded, and the construction of a proper road, while benefitting the back settlers largely, would open up a considerable amount of good country. The matter is one which deserves special advocacy, and we trust no time will be lost in urging that the work should be given a prominent place on next year's Estimates.