NELSON AFFAIRS

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 141, 12 December 1923, Page 3

NELSON AFFAIRS

PROPOSED NEW ROAD

SHORTENING THE WAY TO MOTUEKA.

(FROM ODB 0-WN CORRESPONDENT.)

NELSON, 11th December.

A movement has been on foot for some time in advocacy of a new road across the mudflats from Mariri (Tasman 01 chard district) to Motueka, thus shortening the journey by about two miles. The services of the Waimea County Council's engineer, Mr. Menzies, were requisitioned, and he has surveyed the bne of the proposed new road and given v rough, estimate of the cost at £5200, including a bridge across the Moutere River. The area to be traversed being a tidal one, it will be necessary to embank the material to a level well above high-water spring tides. The length of the pVoposed road will be about 44 chains. It will join the Motueka main road at a'locality known as "Wiklman's Corner." The project advanced a further stage last Thursday, when a deputation consisting of Mr. Horatio Everett (chairman of-the Motueka Harbour Board), Mr.' Haining (a resident of Marioi and a member of the same board), • Mr. Ducker, and Mr. A. M'Glashen (Mayor of Motueka) waited on the Waimea County Council. Mr. Everett said that, proceeding on the supposition that there waß no legal difficulty in the way, the Government would grant £1 for £1 towards the cost. The matter had been brought before the Waimea County Council, and he was grateful to them for taking it up. He understood the local bodies represented and residents concerned were willing to contribute, and the question was whether the County Council would contribute.

Mr. M'Glashen said the road would be of considerable benefit to the residents of Mariri and Tasman, and if the Waimea County Council would contribute he thought his council would also help. He thought, however, little could be done $hat day beyond ■ affirming the principle that a road should be constructed. ! .

Mr. Haining stressed the value the road would be '..to.-settlers- from a business point of view. The settlers recognised that they had to help as much as. possible; and had decided to offer to assist to'the extent of 25 per cent, of the cost, the money to be raised by special loan. When the fruitgrowers were prepared to contribute £1300 it was not too much, he considered, to' ask each of the three local bodies concerned to help to the same extent. ' Mr. Ducker endorsed Mr. Haining's statements. . He explained that he represented the settlers between Bluff and HarleyVroad: He asked, however, that 'n connection with the special loan suggested the'council adopt the zone eys-" tern. ,"■■■■■

The chairman. (Councillor Best) said that the engineer's estimate, £5200, was only a rough one.

In answer, to Councillor Corder, Mr. Everett said he proposed that the proportion to-be contributed by the local bodies should be allocated by mutual agreement. The matter had not been discussed, but he believed both the Harbour Board and the Motueka Borough Council would be prepared to pay their juat proportion. The matter of legal difficulties which might arise so far as the Harbour Board was concerned might be overcome by getting, a short amending Act passed to enable it to contribute its share.

Councillor Wilkinson (Motueka Riding) moved that the council approve of the principle of the road. ." This, was; seconded by Councillor Kenyon, and carried.

After further discussion, it wasi resolved to convene a conference of the local bodies concerned at Motueka at 10 o'clock on 20th December, Councillors Wilkinson, Hewetson, the chairman, the clerk, and engineer to represent the council. ■

It is estimated that the making of the new road will shorten the distance from Mariri to Motueka by two and a half miles, reduce the cost of cartage of fruit by £d per case, and result in increased business being done at the Motueka wharf, and also bring more business to the town of Motueka.

We are having rather dry weather just now, and it came as a surprise to the members of the Education Board at their meeting yesterday to learn from one'of their members, the Hon. W. H. M'lntyre, from the West Coast, that the Buller River was in high flood last Tuesday, and when he left Millerton on Friday it was raining hard. The children of both, city and country are looking forward to 15th December (Children's Gala Day). Provision is being made by a strong committee, of which Mr. G. P. Russell is organiser, to entertain 3000 kiddies and give them a happy time. Sports of every kind for hoys and girls are promised. The morning attractions will be Coney Park, with: its merry-go-round, miniature steam railway, swings, and theatre, and also a sight of the Odiva seals. In.the afternoon there will be a great procession, with three bands—the Nelson Regimental, Nelson Silver, and Motueka Kilty Band—in attendance. The Dark Town Band is to meet the country train: A great display is also promised by the Boy Scouts. The procession will proceed to the Botanical Gardens. Good prizes are offered for procession features, such as best decorated pole, best decorated bicycle, best decoarted motorlorry, set of eight boys .or girls, best school set of six children and banner, best boy impersonation of a girl, best girl impersonation of a boy, best Jackie Coogan impersonation, and best comical dross. Altogether, the youngsters, as well as their elders, have a good time coming. if the weather is propitious.. "Father Christmas," accompanied by his friend, "Uncle Sam," has notified the Hampden Street School Committee that he will leave Messrs. M'Kay and Son's establishment, Bridge street, tomorrow evening, at 7.45 in a specially decorated and illuminated car. After touring-the streets, he expects to arrive at the Hampden Street School at '8 o'clock, where he anticipates being busy for some time dispensing happiness to the kiddies.