RAILWAY AND ROAD

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 196, 19 June 1939, Page 4

RAILWAY AND ROAD

BOTH TO BE BUILT STATEMENT BY MEMBER SURVEYS IN PROGRESS WELLINGTON, Saturday. The proposed extension of the Fast Coast railway from Taneatna to Opotiki created a public discussion, as to whether it would not be better for the district- to make sure of a first class road along the Oliope Peach route, and the Auckland Junior Chamber of Commerce recently passed a motion favouring the.road. However, the member foil the Pay cl Plenty, Mr. A. G. Hultquist, is eon•idfent that tliei Government will construct both road and as all -.hese facilities are needed.

“There seems to be an impression among some people,” lie stated, “that, if the railway is built to Opotiki it disposes of the possibility of having a decent road. That is not the case. This erroneous idea was expressed at a meeting of the County Council. ‘'During my present visit to Wellington 1 have spent some time with the Public Works Department-, cheeking up on what is being dene in the district, and I find that the surveys for both road l and railway are being pushed ahead. Changes in Plans. “As for the railway, it will be some months before tliei detailed survey, of the complete route can he made ready because considerable changes have been made in the original plans to bring tliei line up-to-date for faster moving traffic, including railcars. This has meant a goad deaf of readjustment of curves, but the work is going ahead well under the direction of Air. Stewart, the surveyor in charge. “As soon as sufficient machinery is available from other construction jobs, the Opeitiki extension of the railway will be started), and there is noi argument, about the railway going through. “There may be difference of opinion as to whether the extension will pay, hut that is not the sole factor to consider . If the Alain Trunk had waited until it was obviously a paying proposition it .might not have been finished by now. A railway provides for development and savings in road-making costs. “For instance, I was travelling from Alotu to Gisborne recently, and found that behind one engine wen e trucks- with loads of timber an:li read metal, as well as cream. We w ukon it out that if the same tonnage had been transported by road, it would have, taken dci lorries and 32 drivers to convey it to Gisborne, an i of cturse. there would have* been more wear and tear on the roads, involving the employment of roadmen. Alternate Routes for Road G “I have cheeked up on the statement. made at a County Council meeting that the authorities wanted the district’ to drop the railway,’-’ continued Ah’. Hultquist, “and I have looked for evidence of that nature, but can find nothing of the sort. It is only a. question of how scon both, road ai\d railway can be made available. The road surveys are going along quite well, and the Public Works Department, soon' will be in a position to say exactly where the road will be located. “There are four or five alternative routes through Whakatane to Ohope, and the proposed new road will be along -a' route different..from the railway. it will provider a ■ shorter run to Opotiki from Auckland! and will be up to a high standard, while the railway will serve a good.!deal of back country on the way from Taneatna to Opotiki, 'The road also gives a

frontage to new areas of land. “There is no question of whether this road should -he the alternative to a railway. I am not taking sides in this discussion, hut going for both. -- with the knowledge that both will *- be provided.”