NEW CONNECTING LINK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 212, 7 March 1914, Page 2

NEW CONNECTING LINK.

UPPER CABRINGTON AND FRANKLEY BOADS. For the past two or three years several of the more progressive settlers of the Upper Carrington and Frankley roads have recognised that it would be to the mutual advantage of the two districts if a connecting link between the roads were formed some three miles below the junction. .Settlers on the one road having business to transact on the other would be saved considerable time, and, moreover, one creamery or factory centrally situated would "be able to handle the milk produced by suppliers on both roads, thereby effecting a considerable saving. As a result of the efforts, principally of Messrs F. Baker, L. Hill, A. C. Binnie and G. Tipping, a petition was taken round and, not without somo opposition, the necessary threefourths majority to enable a loan to tie raised was obtained. After the delay apparently inseparable from all loan matters, the money was obtained, tenders were called, and the road put through, at a cost, including the payment for the land taken, of £ll7O. This is secured by a farthing rate struck over all the land on both roads, above Ratanui on the Carrington, and Mr. Nelson Okey's property on the Franklcv, to the junction of the two roads. The road is seventy chains long, and is perfectiv graded. The work of formation anil metalling has been well and faithfully curried out, and, when the blinding and rolling is completed, the road will lin',: up what is destined to become one'of the most popular suburban drives in New Plymouth.

To celebrate the completion of lac work tin- settlers of both districts held a picnic on Mr. Bryden's beautiful property, adjacent to the Carrington road. The day was not an ideal one for a picnic, a shower about middav darnpin" things considerably. However, it did not interfere with the attendance, settlers from .both roads ap well as from outside districts being present in full force. Mr. 11. J. H.' Okcv. M.P.,' was among the guests. There" was no formal opening ceremony or speechifyin". Indeed, the name of the road is not yet decided upon. It is known at present, as the Frankley-Carrington cross road, but, in these days of rapid transit, that is considered too much to pronounce. Various names have been suggested, but the one that finds most favor is "Atkinson" road. This is rather appropriate as the late Sir Harry Atkinson owned and resided oh the property now in rhe possession of Mr. Bryden, part of which was taken for the cross road. He also established the oak plantation that la such a feature of the district. The affair was purely an informal picnic sports meeting. All the events, in which the keenest interest was manifested, were post entry, and for verv Hiimll prizes. Under sn'cli conditions the sport was good. The committee kept matters moving merrily, the children being well catered for. ' Milk, hot water, tea and sugar were provided free, the eoppcr being boiled in the centre of the road, and the man in charge was kept hu.sy filling numerous teapots for al fresco luncheon and afternoon tea parties, which were, held in the pretty bush on Mr. Gilbert's property opposite. The committee which controlled iffairs so ably comprised: Messrs F Baker (chairman), R. 0. Marsh (hon secretary), A. C. Binnie. L. Wells. \ Tleauchamp, r,. Okey, P. Yates, 0. Chaiii •T. Tieid. ,7. Wilton, ,T. Burke and Mr/ Ilryden. The officials for the day were Starter, Mr. h. Wells; judges, Messrs l/ Hill and 10. Chant; han'dieapper and secretary, Mr. R. G. Marsh; marshal. Mr. A. C. Binnie; and bellman, Mr .1 Burke. The results of the competitions were published yesterday.