GREY COUNTY ROADS

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 July 1930, Page 3

GREY COUNTY ROADS

COUNCIL’S TOUR OF INSPECTION.

'rhe Greymouth County Councillors under the guidance of the County Engineer yesterday continued their visit of inspection of County roads. Last week the route traversed gave them an opportunity of inspecting the roads to Punakaiki, Teremakau Settlement and Marsden, while yesterday the Kopara, Bell Hill, Rotomanu, Inchbonnie and the track leading from the last-named place around Lake Brunner to Mitchells and home by way of Kumara was traversed. The roads which have been formed were found to be in splendid condition, while the progress which is beingmade with formation of new roads and erection of bridges across the many dangerous creeks met during the journey, is satisfactory indeed Much new country is being opened up by the Council as a result of wellformed roads providing access to settlers. In all, approximately 120 miles of travelling was completed during the day, and a practical knowledge of the work being carried out, and the necessity for further improvements was gained by Councillors. The party comprised Councillors W. Ogilvie (Chairman), H. G. Carter, A. Robinson, A. Donnellan, J. Ryall, J. Mulcare, Messrs J. Higgins (County Engineer), M. Keating (County Clerk), J. Fletcher, and AV. Joyce. Passing through Brunner, it was noticed that the roads were in splendid order as a result of having received the attention of the County grader, which is keeping the road in order, by arrangement between the Borough and County Council. The journey was continued towards Nelson Creek and 801 l Hill, but before reaching the latter place, the road leading to the Kopara was entered upon. For a distance of 3 dniles 33 chains, this road has been formed, and at the present time a gang of sixty-eight men are spread out to the 61 mile peg, employed in the formation of the remaining" portion of the unformed road. Six miles still require to be formed . to give access to settlers on the Kopara Flat, Messrs Healy and Mallinson. A temporary bridge has been erected across Simpson’s Creek, but the steelgirders and timber for the permanent structure are on hand. The original track to Kopara was formed by horses in 1892, and the settlers have carried on well with the track since that date.

Returning to the Bell Hill road the journey was continued through the milling settlement, and on to Rotomanu? Work is proceeding steadily with the formation of the road from Bell Hill to Rotomanu and not more than a mile remains to be completed before a smooth running well-formed route will further open up that ountry. At Deep and Dry Creeks a mart will shortly be made on the erection of a bridge and at Jones Creek also a bridge will be constructed. Passing Rough and Tumble Creek, for Avfiich a contract has recently been let, it was noticed that the derrick and gear for making a start was on hand. Rough and Tumble flows into Lady Lake which presented a peaceful appearance half a mile to the Tight. Rum Creek was the next stream to cross, this being also unbridged Granite Hill which now forms the boundary between Red Jacks and Hohonu Ridings, was of interest, as it also previously formed part of the old boundary separating Nelson and Westland. Crooked River was then passed over, a fine bridge having been erected across it. Puzzle Creek was then met. The farm lands at Rotomanu showed excellent winter condition. The settlement is looking decidedly prosperous, and it has proved to be a splendid investment on the part of the New Zealand Government, who bought the land for 22/- per acre and cut it up to form what are now among the best farms on the West Coast. Proceeding to Rotomanu railway station, which is two and a-half miles from the Settlement, Slatey Creek was passed over. This Creek is really responsible for making the land at Rotomanu for it used to spread its spoil during flood time, all over the land. Running parallel with the road leading to the station is a deep ditch from which the soil to form the road \?fiis taken. The road is in excellent condition and as smooth as bitumen. Thirsty Creek was also passed over. Leading from the railway station and following the line for a distance of about a mile an unformed track called Hodgkinson Road leads to Wallace’s Mill and two settlers’ homesteads. An application is at present being considered to provide money to give access to these settlers. Tho next journey was to Poerua where the bridge across another Deep Creek is being erected. The concrete abutments have been put in, and when completed, the bridge will have a 60ft. truss and will be 12ft. in width. The timber is on hand for Camp Creek bridge which will have three 40ft„ and one 20ft. span. At Dry Creek a halt was made for lunch. Hero the last, two of twelve piles were being driven, and the bridge will bo completed within a short period. Following luncheon the tour was

continued to Orangipuku stream and on to the terminus of the Grey Valley —Teremakau road. Then on to the Lake Brunner —Inchbonnie road, the party proceeded over half-a-mile of makeshift road and on to the Orangipuku, where the two-and-a-half-mile walk to Mitchells on the southern side of Lake Brunner was undertaken. The journey on foot to Mitchell’s along Lake Brunner was then commenced. Following the Orangipuku river, a grass path showed the way un. til a stretch of gravel announced the formation of a road. Pipes already placed in position are draining off a good deal of the water. Gangs of men are employed all along the area and number between thirty and forty. All the contracts for this work have been let by the Publie Works Department. It is anticipated that the road will be completed and ready for traffic at the end of the present year, thereby opening up to tourists one of the most beautiful bush drives in the Dominion.