TE AWAMUTU – ARAPUNI.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 58, 4 December 1924, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU - ARAPUNI.

IMPROVING THE ROAD. Little Money Offering. Mr. W. Hall-Jones, assistant engineer at Hamilton, for the Public Works Department, asked the Waipa council on Monday of last week to submit proposals for expenditure of £750 (£3 for £1) for int&iUing between Pukeatua post office and the Waimanu road junction. The Minister for Public Works wrote: “ I am hi receipt of your letters of August 16 and October 20, in reference to further metalling on the Te Awamutu--Arapuni mad beyond Pukeatua. It is noted you only discuss me' i'.!!ng of a further 70 chains from Pukeatua to the Waimanu road deviation, and while it is agreed this would bo some small benefit to local settlers, the road between Pukeatua and Arapuni would hardly thereby be improved in standard. The estimated cost of metalling this d;stance of 4i miles to a standard suitable for local requirements is approximately £6OOO. It is probable that if the metalling of this road were completed to that standard, heavy all the year round motor traffic would use it, so that heavy maintenance would be required, and it seems that your council would, in the face of the statement in your letter of August 16, find .great difficulty in providing for its. adequate maintenance. I think it will also be agreed that for through road purposes the route via Owairaka Valley has very material advantages. Under these circumstances I regret that it has not been found possible to make further provision for Puke-atua-Arapuni load than the £252 (£ for £), appearing on this year’s estimates.” The chairman explained that the Minister’s letter was forwarded on October 30 and since then he (the speaker) and Cr. Macky had interviewed the Minister, who had agreed to find £750, provided the council found £250. On an assurance beinggiven that this money would be found the district engineer had written asking for proposals. Cr. McGee asked how the £250 was to be raised. The chairman suggested paying a visit to the district as soon as possible, to discuss with the settlers just what works could be held over so as to leave money clear for lifting the Minister’s grant. This was agreed to, and probably the visit will be made this week, an inspection of the Owairaka route being undertake the same day.—Waipa Post.