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Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 74, 16 May 1879, Page 2

Whilst writing upon the above mattor, it will nqfr,be out of place to mention another closely allied to the foregoing, and which was indeed referred to, during the discussion upon the governmental interference. We refer to the Manawatu Gorge Road. This road, it is well known, is one of the most dangerous in the Colony. Its effect upon the progress and trade of Manawatu is almost nil. It is situated upon the very borders of tha County, and in of importance for the reason that it is the only means of connecting the East and West Coasts of tho North Island. Mr Hal combe very appropriately described it, on one occasion as " a great bridge joining the two sides of the country," and argued that as all bridges of over 30 feet span were maintained by the Government, the Gorge Eoad should be treated as a bridge, and proclaimed a Colonial road. The Government, however, do not see the matter in the same light, and decline to accept any responsibility regarding a road which may at any time cost several thousands of pounds for repairs. They shut their eyes to the facis that the road is absolutely r a Colonial one ; that Napier and Wauganui are more interested in it than Manawatu ; that it is on the very borders of our County ; and that to force its maintenance upon Manawatu is a gross injustice. '^These facts are ignored, and might parries >ha day. Adhering to their repeated protest that to saddle -Manawatu with the cost of maintaining this expens.ve road would be unjust, the Council have systematically refused to spend money upon the road in question. The Govern* ment, however, have with equal persistence performed the work, and recouped themselves by deducting the cost of work done from the subsidy to the County, or the 20 per cent, of the Land Fund. This subject might very appropriately be discussed in Parliament. It is greatly to be regretted, however, that Manawatu suffers in being mis* represented by a gentleman who is utterly ignorant of the needs of his district ; and who, instead of visiting it to become acquainted with its wants, seems afraid to stir any nearer to it than Parliament Buildings.