TITAHI BAY ROAD

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 166, 10 April 1926, Page 23

TITAHI BAY ROAD

DEPUTATION TO MAKARA COUNTY COUNCIL The narrow stretch of road between Titahi Bay and Porirua harbour formed the subject matter of a petition considered at yesterday’s meeting of the Makara County Co'uncil, which also received a deputation representing the residents of Titahi Bay, who desired the fence moved back to the correct road frontage. The petition was signed by fifty-four other residents of Titalii Bay. In addition to requesting the council to have the fence on the road between Titahi Bay and Porirua. harbour moved back to the correct road frontage, the petitioners stated that the present width of the road was proving quite inadequate to meet the needs of tlv ex er-increasing volume of traffic.

Messrs. W. Appleton, A. Emmett, A. Vella, and T. Gray comprised the deputation. Air. E. Windley, the county chairman, pointed out that the petition contained the signatures of approximately only one-third of the residents of Titalii Bay. Amongst these names there were several newcomers and a number of these people would not know the position in regard to the fence. Mr. Appleton said that he was a newcomer to the bay, and he resented Mr. Wiudley’s insinuation regarding such people. Air. Windley interposed that by newcomers he meant those who had been there only a few months. Continuing, Mr. Appleton said that the road between Titalii. Bay and Porirua harbour was not wide enough for existing traffic. A 33ft. road for such an enormous number of motor vehicles was bv no means sufficient. The’ chairman: Your point is that the formation should be widened ? In replv to the chairman Air. Emmett stated that the question was one of setting the fence back and not widening the road. Mr. Windley expressed the opinion that the council was under an obligation to Gillett’s Estate. It was understood that the fence should remain where it was until such time as it became necessary to set it back. The solicitors’ offices were at present closed, and therefore it was impossible to ascertain the exact position. In any case, it would be impossible for the council to give a decision then. “We have the election coming on, and we all want your votes,’’ added the chairman ’amidst laughter. Mr. Gray thought the road was far too narrow, and in his opinion, irrespective of whether or not the fence was set back, the road should be widened between Titahi Bay and Porirua harbour. The chairman: So far as the widening of the road is concerned, we may improve a few spots, but for the main part the width of that toad is ample. Mr. Appleton: Not in places, Air. Windlev. The chairman: I think two motorlorries could easily pass, even on the culverts. Air. Gray: And very easily hit each other. Mr. Villa: If we have a track for cur stock 33ft. wide, the council could widen the road later on. The chairman: As I have already pointed out, you have only one-third of the ratepavers’ signatures. Air. Appleton: We will get two-thirds of the ratepayers’ signatures if you like. Air. Gray said that in view of the ever-increasing popularity of the bay the road would ultimately have to be widened. The chairman concurred with Air. Grav, and thought that it would not be long before the council would collect more revenue in that vicinity. Prospects were now certainly brighter in regard to the bv-roads. Immediately the council got the main roads in good . condition attention would be directed to the by-roads, and with other thoroughfares the portion of road mentioned would, no doubt, receive attention. The council would carefully consider the petition, and the representations made bv the deputation, and in view of the fact that the Progressive Association at Titahi Bay was concerned in the matter, Mr. . Windley said he would have .the petition referred to - that body. . 1 After the deputation had retired the ’ following resolution was carried “That the petition of Titahi ratepayers with reference to the widening of the road between Porirua and Titahi Bay .be held over until the matter has been referred to the Progressive Association for its opinion, and until the obligation of the council with regard to the dedication of the road to original owners has been inquired into; councillors in the meantime to visit the locality.’.’