ACCESS TO LAKE SUMNER

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27444, 2 September 1954, Page 7

ACCESS TO LAKE SUMNER

ROADS BOARD TO INVESTIGATE The prospects of putting a proper road through to Lake Summer will be examined by the National Roads Board, although at present it thinks this more a matter for local authorities. Although this reply was received with some satisfaction by the Canterbury Progress League yesterday, a discussion arose on the heavy burdens carried by the smaller local bodies to give access to pleasure resorts. The Waipara County Council was concerned with the road to Lake Sumner, said Mr C. G. Brooker. On the 20 miles already formed there were only three or four ratepayers which already made it an expensive proposition. In times of flood the bulldozer had long trips in on its own tracks and the grader seldom came out without tyre damage. The extension of six or seven miles to Lake Sumner itself would increase the expense with no more revenue’from ratepayers. “You will soon have many more ratepayers at Lake Sumner,” said Mr A. R. Blank, adding that he understood that sites would soon be surveyed for holiday places round the lake. “You don’t make much money out of holiday places,” replied Mr Brooker. “First they want water, then rubbish dumps, and more amenities.” Mr C. A. Inch said that from the Selwyn County Council’s experience with the road to Lake Ida he agreed that it was costly to maintain roads for pleasure. However, access to places of healthy sport and recreation well justified such roads being declared secondary highways as they served the whole community. It was agreed to await the National Roads Board report before discussing the matter further.