ROAD WANTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 22, 26 January 1935, Page 6

ROAD WANTED.

TO WAIHI VILLAGE.

ROUTE FROM TAUMARUNUI

MR. FORBES INTERESTED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) KOTOKUA, this day. Favourable consideration was given to a proposal to form a new road from Taumarujiui to Wailii village, on the shores of Lake Taupo, by a deputation from the Tauuiarunui County Council and members of the Ngati-Tuwharetoa tribe which met the Prime Minister in the Wailii village yesterday. Mr. Forbes is at present making a tour of the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty districts, i The proposal was outlined by Mr. J. A. Asher for the Maoris. The road, he said, would be about 32 miles long in a relatively straight line between the two pojnts. The cost had been estimated.at about £9GOO and Maoris were willing to contribute £1000. Of the IS2 miles the worst *G had been formed and thus the worst engineering difficulties had been overcome. The rest of the distance was through easy country, The road would bring in 200,000 acres, which some day must be brought in, besides 10,000 more acrc« of milling country. " Were a road formed," the speaker added, " I would liken the district to a second Waikato."

Mr. G. Stanton, deputy chairman of the County Council, said his body favoured the road.

Mr. J. S. Jcssep of Native Lands Development Board, asked if the county, in-whose area the road would be, would be willing to take the road over. Mr. Stanton replied that so much timber would come out that it would practically support the road. They liad thought so much of the project tliat thev liad • spent £300 in prospecting the best outlet. The Main Highway Board had practically admitted that the road would be the main highway of the district. Mr. Forbes said the road was the national outlet back of Taumarunui.

Mr. Stanton added that the road was intended to connect with another proposed section of about 14 miles to open up three blocks of native land, which the tribe lie represented were willing to hand to the Native Department for development. The Taumarunui Borough Council favoured the project plot. Mr. Forbes replied that the matter would receive Iris serious consideration.