ARTHUR’S PASS ROUTE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28620, 24 June 1958, Page 14

ARTHUR’S PASS ROUTE

AA. Resolutions After Inspection After a week-end Inspection of the whole Arthur’s Pass route and two meetings of its road, committee, the Automobile Association (Canterbury) has agreed: (1) to congratulate the Ministry of Works on the proposal to establish a road maintenance depot at Otira; (2) to express pleasure at the grant for the Otira bridge; (3) to express sausfaction at the reinstatement of Pegleg creek bridge and the installation of Bailey bridges at Dry and Ribbonwood creeks and the improvements at Paddy’s bend; (4) and express the hope that general work in Improving the route will continue. The chairman of the committee (Dr. R. G. Mathieson) said members were well aware of the concern, about the state of this highway; but it seemed that everything possible was being done. The inspecting party had been anxious about the advice the association should give to members. The road was open and passable; but not to be recommended to anyone who was unfamiliar with it. Eventually the committee had agreed that Its officers could give advice only according to the weather conditions prevailing.

West Coast members had another point of view. Canterbury observers might regard Arthur’s Pass as only a scenic route, they said. West Coast people saw it as a vital business and economic link. The route did not join simply Christchurch and Greymouth. It had been said that the Lewis Pass route was to be brought up to adequate standard first. But what advantage was that to the great body of people living to the south in both provinces? They wanted to cross the Alps as quickly as possible —sometimes making a return trip In one day. That was possible only by Arthur’s Pass. Mr L. W. Broadhead suggested that the colossal expense to restore flood damage and put Arthur’s Pass in good order made him wonder whether a road tunnel was not feasible.