DISTRICT ROAD WORKS

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 October 1931, Page 2

DISTRICT ROAD WORKS

PLACING THE UNEMPLOYED In connection with the placing of 350 men from the Westport-Inanga-hua railway, on various road works throughout the district, the District Engineer (Mr. T. A. Johnston) informed a “Star” reporter, who interviewed him to-day, that 50 men have now gone into camps on the Main South Road, below Waiho, and that it is possible that , this number will be increased in the near future. The work on this road, for the present, will be confined, to improvements to the Waiho-Weheka section. Although the road has a good running surface, it is particularly narrow and tortuous, and decidedly dangerous so far as motor traffic is concerned. The section of the Main South Road from Weheka to the Blue River is practically level throughout, and, from investigation of the whole road to the Haast Pass, it is apparent that the length of sixteen miles between Waiho and Weheka will be the most difficult section for motor traffic. For this reason, and until the bridging of the Fox and Cook Rivers is completed, it is considered desirable to improve this section before undertaking further construction ahead. A further 25 men are being placed on the construction of a settlement road on the south side of Waitaha. The length to be immediately dealt with is two and a-half miles, but it is possible that this may be ultimately extended further up the valley. The necessary engineering surveys have been completed by the Public Works Department, and the erection of the camps is under way. It has already been intimated that 100 men are being placed on the extension of the Haupiri Road into the Kopara settlement. A number of the railwaymen have already been transferred there, to expedite the construction of the camps, and additional drafts will go forward during the coming week. Sixty men are being placed, on the Karamea-Collingwood Road, while other works throughout the district are being fully investigated, with regard to placing the remainder of the men. A large number of the married men will be employed for some considerable time on the railway, in connection with the general clean-up.