ARAHURA. VALLEY SETTLERS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21465, 6 May 1935, Page 12

ARAHURA. VALLEY SETTLERS

Repairs to Bridge t Promised

QUICK ACTION BY HON. S. G SMITH

(smCIAL TO TH« r*iss.) HOKITIKA, May 3. Several deputations waited on the Hon. S. G. Smith, Minister for Employment, at the county chambers this evening. There was a large attendance, including Messrs W. Bromley (deputy-chairman of the Unemployment Board), J. O'Brien, MP., P. C. Webb, M.P.. T. Smith (district engineer), and S. W. Strong (mining engineer). Mr T.'R. Chesterman (county chairman) presided. Mr Chesterman welcomed Mr Smith and Mr Bromley. Mr J. O'Brien M.P., extended a welcome to Mr Smith on behalf of the people of the district. The Minister, expressing thanKs for the welcome, said it was his first visit to the Coast. He expressed his appreciation of the work done in relief of unemployment, and in the practical nature of the schemes which had been evolved. Mr O'Brien introduced Mr Chesterman, who placed before the Minister the matter of replacing Malfroy s bridge, which was partly destroyed by the last flood. He asked for assistance for the settlers, some of who would otherwise probably be forced to leave their homes. ' . Cr. Ward, who is a farmer in the Arahura Valley, said the settlers were surprised when the Minister for Public Works (.the Hon. J. Bitchener) refused to assist in the restoration of Malfroy's bridge, which was the only communication many of the settlers had with their market. He felt sure that the Minister would do something. Mr J. A. Murdock drew attention to the natural erosion which was taking place in West. Coast rivers, and putlined the history of the bridge, which had carried all traffic since the Hungerford bridge had been carried away. The Government had been saved the considerable expense of restoring the latter. He hoped that Mr Smith would be able to change the mind of the Minister for Public Works. Mr D. Jcllie referred to the mining work being carried out at present. There was the possibility of three or four dredges being set up, and the bridge was the only means of access. He said that the farmers were willing to do what they could if the Government would assist. As one with some knowledge of the river, he outlined methods by which the river could be controlled. If something was not done, a very productive valley would be wasted. A Prosperous District Cr. W. Jeffries dealt with the economic aspect. During the last few years the Arahura Valley had produced more in proportion to its size than any other part of the West Coast. They were 31 settlers, and last year the value of production amounted approximately to £17,620, including £12,432 from butterfat. He suggested that some assistance should be given, and that the Native Trustee should be persuaded to assist, as the area was practically the freehold of the Native Trustee. He suggested as an alternative to the restoration of the bridge that a road should be opened up immediately on the north side of the river from the Arahura station. Mr Gulhrey. representing Malfroy's Mill, outlined the difficulties the mill was experiencing and said the expense involved meant that it could not continue under the- present conditions for much longer. It was costing the company an additional £75 a month. The bridge had cost the company £3OOO to erect, and the Government had purchased the right to use it as a public bridge for £SOO. The company had always assisted with the upkeep of the bridge. The road proposed by Mr Jeffries would be of no use to his firm. The Minister said that when he viewed the valley to-day, his heart went put to the settlers, and they had his assured sympathy. He also realised the need of assistance for the sake of other industries. The valley was well worth saving. He was trying to communicate by telephone with Mr Bitchener and hoped to have a decision for the deputation that evening. Later, Mr Smith announced that the Minister for Public Works had offered £2OO towards the reconstruction of the bridge, and the Unemployment Board would give £2OO for labour if the county found the balance, estimated at £250. He considered that the settlers should not be asked to contribute. On the question of river ~iro~ teetion, the Minister stated that the department would make a comprehensive report. Mr Smith was accorded a vote of sincere thanks and appreciation of the speedy way he had dealt with the mutter. The acceptance of the offer will be considered immediately by the County Council. A Bridge Without Access The chairman of the County Council brought before the Minister the situation of the Arahura-Milltown road, arid the Hokitika Gorge track. It was pointed out that the money had been granted by Parliament (£4OO for the first and £IOO for the second), but the Public Works Department had refused to sanction the expenditure. The council had incurred some expense in anticipation of the grants. At the Hokitika Gorge, they had a line bridge at a place which was a splendid attraction for tourists, besides being a means of access, but they had no road or track leading to it. The non-completion of the ArahuraMilltown road meant considerable difficulty to settlers in bringing stock out. The Minister promised to place the matter before the Minister in charge. Thanks were expressed for the cordial reception the Minister had given the deputation.