THE EAST ROAD.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1922, Page 4

THE EAST ROAD.

The metalling of the main road from Tahroa right through to Tatu, in the Ohura, is a work of prime importance, and it is therefore satisfactory to learn that the Minister for Public Works met a request from the Whangamomona County Council to metal the portion between Kohuratahi and Tahora favorably. The report of the interview between the chairman and Minister stated that the latter realised the urgency of and necessity for the work, which would be given consideration when the Estimates were being framed. It is rather a reflection on the present and past Administrations that such an important work as this has not been completed long ere this. Tt should be the main outlet of the settlers in the Ohura district, instead of which the Tangarakau gorge is only passable in the fine months of the year. It is not too much to say that the cost of the road has been paid many times over by the unfortunate settlers marooned in the district in extra freights on their produce and necessities. They are practically all struggling men. and therefore deserving of all the help that good communications give. Only those living in the backblocks. and those who have first hand knowledge of their conditions, realise what a terrible handicap and economic loss unmetalled roads ife. The Ohura district has been settled now for over twenty years, yet so far as the western end of it is concerned it is no better off in respect of roads than when it was first settled. It is a sorry state of affairs, and, as we have said, does not reflect much credit upon the Governments responsible. Mr- Coates has made it plain that for the present there is little prospect of going on with the railway works from Tahora, so that settlers cannot hope for railway communications for many a year- This is all the more reason why the Government should provide them with a good road. Tt is not a very expensive matter, for the formation work is practically all done, and cheap metal is available from the Te Wera pits. A better means for utilising much of the present unemployed labor could hardly be found, and we trust that the Taranaki members of Parliament will impress upon the Minister, before framing his Estimates, the necessity for completing the whole road, instead of only a part, at the earliest opportunity.