AKAROA ROAD

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25301, 29 September 1947, Page 8

AKAROA ROAD

EARLY IMPROVEMENT SOUGHT

The welcome news that the roadsealing programme would be advanced this year had been received from the Main Highways Board, said the president (Mr W. R. Carey) at the annual meeting of the Automobile Association (Canterbury) on Saturday evening. It was probable that bridge construction would be held up through shortages of steel and cement. Mr C. H. Kersley asked if any improvement of the Christchurch io Akaroa road was promised. “It’s not a road. It’s a riverbed,’ interjected a member. Mr F. W. Freeman said the Canterbury Progress League was actively engaged toward getting the route declared a State highway. Apparently the chief consideration delaying Government action was fear of setting a precedent for other roads to be given similar treatment. The Akaroa road was in good condition to Kaituna; but a lot of work was required funher uti From the statement of the Minister of Works, it appeared that only a quarter of road works in New Zealand had been in the South Island last year. The league, counties concerned, and motorists had a good case and a deputation would go to Wellington soon. He hoped that some action would be taken before next season. Mr F. W. Johnston said Akaroa was favoured as a health resort; but the amount of dust consumed on the trip back, plus the nervous strain of a dangerous road w’ould reduce any benefits to the visitor. One of the chief parties responsible for the deterioration of the road was the Government bus service, said a member. It was agreed to ask for early realignment and sealing of the complete highway.