AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1932, Page 5

AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

GREYMOUTH BRANCH MEETING.

At a meeting of the Greymouth Automobile Association, held last evening, Dr W. McKay presided, Messrs P. C. Heaphy, A. E. Kilgour, P. Garde, L r AV. Louisson, G. R. Harker, and W. F. Harley (Secretary), being also present. An apology for’absence was received from Mr E. McDonnell.

The Chairman reported that the Secretary and himself had interviewed Mr F. W. Furkett (Engineer-in-Chief, of Public 'Works), who had given them a good hearing, and had patiently listened to what they had to say about the bridging of the Waimakariri River. They had also brought up the matter of shortening the road to Hokitika and Greymouth, by way of Flowery Creek. Mr Furkett had appeared to have given the matter closer consideration than he had on a previous occasion, when be- ! fore a Highways Board meeting. He had expressed the opinion that as the straightening of the Kumara-Flowery Creek road was not a Highways Board matter, he should not deal with it, but it was pointed out to him, that as the distance would be shortened by about 10 miles, it was a matter for consideration, and Mr Furkett promised to do the best he could in both matters.

Categorical reasons for the bridging of the Waimakariri River, as drawn up by the President, were approved, and it was decided that a letter on similar lines be sent to the various local bodies, asking for their support, and that the requests be forwarded to the Main Highways Board, Public Works Department, and Unemployment Board. It was resolved that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to the Public Works Department, and Mr Seebeck, roadman for the splendid way in which the slip had been cleared, and the road repaired in the Otira Gorge. Mr Harker reported that the delegates from the branch, had attended the annual meeting of the Canterbury Automobile Association, and lie read a lengthy report of the meeting. Votes of thanks to the delegation, Messrs Harker, Harley, Garde, find 'Heaphy, were passed, on the ,motion of Dr McKay, seconded by Mr 'Kilgour. Mr Harker stated that there was not a place for parking cars on the Coastal Road, at the Blowholes, and it was decided to write the Buller County Council on the matter. The Chairman mentioned that the road between the sawmill apt! No Name Hill, for a . distance of about two miles, was in an atrocious state. It was decided to draw the attention of the County Council, to the state of the road. Mr Heaphy stated that a. fire had been put through the native bush on the roadside between Bell Hill and Haupiri. The Chairman instanced another piece of wanton destruction. Ho stated that between the Ten Mile and Twelve Mile, fire had devastated the scenic beauties on the roadside. The Secretary, in commenting upon the fact that fire had also destroyed part of the scenery, and native bush at Mitchells, stated that unless some protection was given to the bush, within 25 years none of it would be left. The Chairman stated that he had approached Mr F. A. Kitchingham, on the question of the formation of a society for the preservation of scenic and natural beauty. Mr Kitchingham had informed him that , the question was being taken up. In Australia they had a “Save Australia Society,” and propaganda, in the schools added materially in the preservation of scenery. Where commercial utility came in, there could not be redress, but where roadside beauty was concerned, it was. -a shame to see beauty destroyed, either by carelessness, or wanton destruction. , . >