THE SPIT ROAD

Evening Star, Issue 22878, 9 February 1938, Page 8

THE SPIT ROAD

QUESTION OF IMPROVEMENT NO HELP FROM AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION At a meeting of the executive of the Automobile Association (Otago) held last night Or E. Laley on behalf of the Waikouaiti Borough Council, put forward a request that the association make a donation towards improving the Spit road. The district was very popular, and many cribs were now used by holidaymakert and by permanent residents, said Or Laley, but the road was in a very bad condition, and needed attention. The Highways Board had promised a subsidy of £1,690 for the road’s improvement, provided tho county council could raise a sum sufficient to complete the job, and that the road be declared a highway and charged to the general fund. _ The county had heavy drains on its funds, partciulraly in regard to the upkeep of the Main North road, and it could not raise all the money required. The Harbour Board had promised £l5O. The county hoped the association might see its way clear to contribute £9O. Mr C. W. Sundstrura said that the road was really in a very bad state, and needed attention. There was a particularly dangerous culvert on it, and night drivers might find that a trap. The matter was discussed further after Or Laley had retired.

“ It would be a dangerous precedent if the association were to donate what amounts to £100,” said the Chairman (Mr P. W. Breen). The association itself, ho stated, was rather hard pressed at the present time, and though road improvements were necessary he did not think it advisable to consider the suggestion. The road was probably used more by non-memhez - s than by actual members. If they were to make a donation in this instance they would receive similar requests from all over Otago. The association was in sympathy with the undertaking, said Mr H. S. but he would move that the matter be referred back to the Highways Board. The motion was seconded by Mr J. Y. Love and carried.