DISTRICT ROADS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 8, 9 March 1938, Page 3

DISTRICT ROADS

«ON. R* SEMPLE REPLIES POSITION EX AO GER AT EL) The following letter has been received by Air. W. riislop, secretary oi the { Opotiki Carriers’ Association from the Hon. H. Semple, Minister of Public Works, in reply to a letter torwarded by him on behalf of the- Association, to the Ai’mister of TransK . port:— I have received your letter of 18th. February, 1938, advising that at a general meeting of your association,strong complaints were made by transport operators relative to the unsatisfactory condition of main highways in the Opotiki district and in particular the East Coast road ami the Opotiki-'Whakatane main highway. I have discussed with the Alain Highways Hoard, your special reference to the unsatisfactory condition of the main highways in the Opotiki district and am informed that consequent upon other complaints, inspections have been made* and while l ciie l’oads do not provide the* same degree of travelling comfort as modernised and paved highways, there has been no. serious deterioration. The substantial increase in traffic during the last twelve months has proved ;l strain upon gravel surfaces and an endeavour is being made to meet the situation by intensified maintenance. However, I cannot agree with your association, that rural highways carrying only a few hundred vehicles per day should be maintained in as high a state of order as those in the. vicinity of cities which, are called upon to carry traffic amounting to several thousand vehicles per day. It would he wholly impracticable to construct all main highways up to a standard beyond that necessary to carry the traffic of a district.

Improvements are being effected as part of a progressive programme ancl the Alain Highways Hoard is already giving attention -to the preparation of a programme for the Whakatane and Opotiki districts for the ensuing financial year. Included in the Programme' will he the bridging of rivers and streams on the coastal route* including the erection of a permanent structure over the Keren River. However, before a permanent bridge can be built over the latter waterway/ site investigations will have to he undetaken before plans ot a suitable design can he prepared hut it is intended to arrange for the erection of the bridge as soon as possible. Your association may he assured that favourable consideration will be given to the general, improvement of main highways in the Opotiki and Whakatane districts.