ISOLATED DISTRICT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 8

ISOLATED DISTRICT

EASTERN SIDE OF HUTT VALLEY

BRIDGE AT HAYWARDS WANTED,

The isolation of Taita and Stokes's Valley, in fact, the whole of the district on the eastern side of the Hutt River gorge, was emphasised by a deputation that waited upon the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. J. G. Coates, to-day. For the benefit of this district, which at present has no direct communication with the railway, and for the benefit of a large district on the western side, it is proposed to construct a bridge close to the Haywards railway station, and the assistance of the Government in this connection is sought. Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., who introduced the deputation, said that there was need of two additional bridges across the Hutt River. Stokes's Valley was being settled rapidly, and the settlers there, and others in the vicinity, had no means of reaching the railway without going miles out of their way. The county desired to construct a bridge to the Haywards railway station. The cost of the bridge would be £6250, and they asked the Government to make a fair contribution. The land necessary for the road had been offeredtiy Mr. George.

Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P. for the Hutt, joined in the application for a Government subsidy. The largest area' served by the bridge would V# on the western side of the railway line, which would have to bear the greater portion of the interest. As now placed the railway was a set-back to the development of the Hutt Valley, and jTaita and btokess Valley suffered most. More direct communication with the railway bne was absolutely necessary. The Government might well help those who were prepared to help themselves. The settlers who would benefit were prepared to Live their lands rated. The Minister said that it appeared to him as though the provision of a bridge would undoubtedly induce settlement on both sides of the railway. In answer to a question, the Minister was informed that the general rate of the Hutt County was l^d. If the special rating area had to bear the whole cost ol the bridge the rate would be increased by |d. Mr. Atkinson, chairman of the Hutt Umntv Council, drew attention to the act that Mr. George had made a most liberal offer of land, and when a man came forward with such an offer he should be encouraged by the ,-ountv and by the Government. He asked the" Government to give a subsidy of £2 for £1; or perhaps £1 for'£l would be nearer the mark. There was little chance of carrying the poll unless the subsidy wa ? at least £1 for Hil Ihe Minister: "What about £1 for £>^ . ..

Mr. George: i'l am afraid it would not help us.

, Thf. Minister suggested that the matWms ;£' le« t0 Messrs- Gilford, Jneld, an d himself, and this course was agreed upon. The Government would at least give a subsidy of £1 for £2 Mr. T. M. Wilford asked the Minister if he would obtain a report as to the best locality for a bridge from the railway to Taita. The Taita district had suffered greatly from its isolation. At the present time Taita residents had to go to Melling_. When a probable cost of the y new bridge was made known the matter would be considered by the residents, who would then come to the Minister with concrete proposals. The Minister said that such a wealthy county as the Hutt should provide its own engineer. Why should the Government engineers carry out such a work?

Mr. Wilford said that the opinion of an independent outside engineer , was, strange to say, more convincing,^ and more likely to have weight with the residents.

The Minister said he would go further into the matter. The engineers were very busy and work was getting behind all over the country. He would let Mr. Wilford know later what the Department could do.