Waimairi Criticism Of Yellow Northern Route

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29916, 1 September 1962, Page 13

Waimairi Criticism Of Yellow Northern Route

The Belfast riding of the Waimairi county, where more individual properties would be affected than in any of the other local authority areas, was strongly against the yellow route, the riding member <Cr. W. E. Cassidy) said in a statement last evening replying to a statement from the Rangiora Borough Council, the Rangiora County Council, and the Eyre County Council saying they had confirmed their approval of the route.

“I was staggered to read the report. It appears that a minority living north of the Waimakariri river has set itself up as an authority in this matter and considers itself better qualified than the engineers of the Ministry of Works to say what route the outlet should take.” The Waimairi County Council approved of the green route brought down by the Ministry of Works and which passed through

Chaneys and to the east of Belfast. Cr. Cassidy said. Smaller areas were endeavouring to dictate to the majority The total population of the Eyre and Rangiora counties and the borough of Rangiora in last year's statistics was less than 10.000. while Waimairi county alone had a population of 44.000 and the Christchurch metropolitan area had more than 200.000.

Cr. Cassidy said the residents of the Belfast riding of the Waimairi county were showing their opposition to the proposed yellow route in petitions which would be sent to the council and also to the Ministry of Works. The yellow route would not only cut the Belfast area in two but would also adversely affect the development of the region Of much greater concern to the residents was the detrimental effect such a route would have on the value of many properties, Cr. Cassidy said.