OTAKI GORGE ROAD.

Otaki Mail, 13 November 1922, Page 3

OTAKI GORGE ROAD.

PROPOSED BRIDGES OVER RIVER. The question of access for the settlers on the north bank of the Otaki river in the Gorge district came up for further consideration at Saturday's meeting of the Horowkenua County Council. I Mr D. L. Corrigan, Waihoanga, wrote ro the Otaki north bank road loan, and said in view of one of the parties to the loan having disposed of his property and others not wishing to keep the loan, he asked the following questions: (1) Could (he parties "to the loan return same and have the rate struck oil'; (2) Could two or more oi the parties take oyer the loan aftei the others decided to return same, m

did return same; (3) What procedure would be necessary if questions 1 and i were answered in the affirmative.

Further correspondence was also read concerning the matter. Mr D. Blackmore, Waihoanga, informed the Council that some time ago he signed a petition that was brought around by Mi Corrigan agreeing to a biidge being erected on Mr Corrigan 's property, Otaki Gorge. The writer said he had no authority from his father to sign the petition as his father awned the property. Another thing, the writer said ho did not understand the position when ho signed. He asked the Council to cancel his signature on the petition. Mr A. J. Blackmore, West Melton, Christchurch, wrote explaining that he had acquired a property of 1191 acres from Crampton Bros., at Waihoanga, Otaki Gorge, and understood there was some money in hand towards the erection of a bridge across the river. He was anxious to know the position, as his sons Were on the -properly with a view of starting dairy farming and wanted access to the property. He therefore suggested the erection of a light swing bridge over the river strong enough to lead a horse over in order to give access as soon as possible.

The Chairman (Cr. G. A. Monk) said it was originally intended to make a road on the north side of the Otaki river, but when Mr Anderson was tippointed engineer he reported that it would not be possible to keep a road there oven after it was made. It was suggested therefore that two small swing bridges be now made-, over the river, instead of going on with the road. With this in view the chairman said he was instrumental in having a clause inserted in the Wash.in.gUp Bill to allow of the loan money for the road being diverted and used for constructing the two bridges. Now Mr Blackmore, jnr., wished to withdraw his signature after having agreed to the proposal. The chairman "said if there were objections of this kind, the best thing to do was to hand the remainder of the loan back to the department and end the matter altogether. Cr. McLcayey considered the members of the riding wore best able to deal with the matter and. moved that it be left in their hands. This was carried.