The Bay of Plenty Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1949. LINKING OTUMOETAI WITH TAURANGA

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14916, 2 March 1949, Page 2

The Bay of Plenty Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1949. LINKING OTUMOETAI WITH TAURANGA

When the recommendations of the Local Government Coinmission with regard to Otipnoetai are put into effect—-as they no doubt will be aft er'.' an $ fife aS’on ald e objections to the decisions made have been eonsidered-Athedlbrongh of Tauranga will have almost exactly doubled its area and increased its population by something like six or seven hundred people. .The Borough today comprises 1,375 acres and contains an estimated population 0f.5,750. With another 1,380 acres (holding at present Only abont ten per cent, of that number), suddenly added, the prospects .automatically provided lor a great lx accelerated rate of population increase are This win neees'sitate far-sighted planning on both sides of the \V aikareao Lstnar> .• While the ratepayers of the new suburb will, have a right to expect eventually the usual amenities associated with a. progiessi\( town, and to share in their cost, one aspect of their coming into the Borough must be kept well in mind by all interests concerned. That is the provision of adequate access to Tauranga across the Estuary. Bv including the northern half of the estuary in the area to be added to the Borough, the Commission made d e.leai that it regarded this as an essential part of the amalgamation thirty years or so the question has been discussed, argued over and shelved. It can no longer be allowed to vomain so. the county chairmen pointed out in bis evidence beioie Ibe Comlit October. 1 eighty per een*. of the r«tep..ve« who--1922, voted for a bridging loan, considered the idea of access good and were prepared to meet the cost. “The ultimate decision in 1924 to. abandon the scheme and to pav back the loan money,” said Mr Caparaagian on that occasion, “must be regarded as a decisive act which has bad incalculable effects on the growth of the district and in the expansion of the commercial life of Tauranga borough itself.” ' Such lack of foresight must no longer be allowed to hinder the provision of this ■ essential link. The number of inquiries coming from all parts of New Zealand for sections at Otnmoetai is an indication that the district is’ destined to progress by leaps and bounds. As an integral part of Tauranga Borough this desirable area must, be given access to the business' and other facilities at present provided, and to be provided, by the town.