EXHIBITION ROUTE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 251, 20 July 1938, Page 6

EXHIBITION ROUTE

City Council’s Scheme

Criticised

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE i DISCUSSION The decision of the Wellington City Council to construct a new road between Ruahine Street and Wellington Road to provide an additional route to the exhibition for motorists was. condemned by members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at last night’s meeting as a “waste of money” and a "short-sighted policy,” as well as creating a very dangerous route. It was decided to forward a protest to the city council, and to draw attention to the recommendation made some years ago bv the access committee of a road from the traffic tunnel to Kilbirme Grfwippn t’ Mr. W. I. J- Blyth said he considered that the chamber should protest against the mayor's scheme, which was a. dangerous one. In his opinion , the onlv feasible scheme was that originally suggested by the access committee. The mayor had contended that there would be congestion at the old Kilbirnie Hotel corner. Mr. Blyth expressed the opinion that any congestion would be alleviated by the Evans Bay road. “Short-Sighted Policy.” “I think the city council has adopted a verv short-sighted policy in this matter,” ‘said Mr. Blyth. The council’s scheme would mean a route from the traffic tunnel via Ruahine Street to Wellington Road, and thence along a sharp rise and bend into Crawford Road It was a most dangerous route. Mr. M. G. C. McCaul contended that the route suggested by the access committee was a sound one. The mayor s scheme would merely be a waste ol money. It would be much more to the pointto face up to the additional expenditure and make a good road. * <r The mayor has stated that the objection to the access committee’s scheme is the lack of time and the additional expense involved, but he knew all about this route during the depression period as it was included in the access committee’s report to local bodies on suggested works,” said Mr. McCaul. The majority of the present councillors were on the council then, said Mr. McCaul. It appeared that they were trying to cover up past mistakes. Mr. A. J. Curtis said that the route proposed by the mayor would become one of the most dangerous in Wellington. The chamber of commerce should voice a strong protest, particularly .as there was such a souud alternative scheme. , . _ Mr. J. H. Meyer urged that consideration should also be given to the western approach; to the traffic tunnel, and was supported by Mr. Curtis, who considered that this was the most dangerous part of the route leading from the city to Hataitai. Captain S. Holin said they had all been led to believe that the road as recommended by the access committee would be constructed. It would be a big mistake for the council to go ahead with the mayor’s proposal. It was decided that the chamber support the access committee’s report so far as outlet to the eastern suburbs was concerned and to advise the council of the objection to the proposed route.

A report of a discussion on the. same subject by the Automobile Association (Wellington) appears on page 15.