OTIRA GORGE ROAD

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28528, 6 March 1958, Page 10

OTIRA GORGE ROAD

Restoration Work Proceeding (From Out Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, March 5. The Otira Gorge route to Christchurch is to be repaired and reopened to traffic in preference to the formation of a new road. This was announced by the District Commissioner of Works (Mr A. E. Clark) of Christchurch, who is visiting the West Coast

Mr Clark said it was difficult to estimate when the road would be reopened because any more flooding could lead to the transfer of machinery which had recommenced the task of clearing up on both the Canterbury and West Coast sides of the gorge. There was a great deal of damage to be repaired to the road, and also to Pegleg creek bridge. The gorge route has been closed since December 26 because of slips, washouts and bridge damage. Restoration work was begun but was suspended when proposals for alternative routes were made. These had been submitted to National Roads Board which, however, had rejected them after hearing a report from the National Highways Officer (Mr W. F. Young) who flew from Wellington to make an inspection of the damage.

Suspended work was resumed once the board’s decision to open up the old road was announced.

Mr R. W. Broom, of Christchurch, has been appointed manager of the Mataura Licensing Trust’s new Forest Lodge Hotel at Tapanui. Mr Broom was selected from more than 60 applicants. Before coming to New Zealand, Mr Broom was employed by the British Overseas Airways Corporation for 10 years, and after arriving in New Zealand was for a time assistant manager of the Government Tourist Department’s hotel at Te Anau.