WILL BE SPENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22513, 17 December 1947, Page 6

WILL BE SPENT

ROAD ESTIMATES REPLY TO CHAMBER MINISTER’S ASSURANCE “1 am satisfied that the money provided on this year’s estimates will be expended, unless anything unforeseen prevents the programme being carried out,” says the Minister of Works. Mr. R. Semple, in reply to representations made by the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce and the district member, Mr. D. W. Coleman, relating to highway works in the Gisborne district.

“You can rest assured that all the work it is possible to do in your area during the current financial year will be done." continues Mr. Semple. “The following progress is being made on the more important works allowed for on the estimates:— "Maintenance £IIO,OOO. —

“The maintenance of the highways

in the district ‘is being kept well up

and the full amount will be expended.. “Whakatane-Gisbornc, via Waioeka, State Highway—“(a) The improvement work on Trafford’s Mill section between Matawai and the Waioeka Gorge is well advanced. “(bl The construction of four and a half miles between Kataratahi and Te Karaka has been held up due to legal formalities in obtaining the right to enter upon property to commence construction. This has been

finalised and a contract for the work is being arranged. “Gisborne-Te Araroa State Highway—- “ The deviation at Jerusalem has also been held up due to legal form-

alities, but the work will now be put

in hand. “Gisborne-Wairoa, via Morere, Main Highway—

“(a) The realignment work between Muriwai and Wharerata Hill was delayed by the winter water level in the Waipaoa River not allowing winning of metal, but the work is now well in hand- The bottom course metalling is half completed and tar supplies are on the job. Unless there develops a shortage of metal chips, a long length of bituminous surfacing wil be added to the southern outlet from Gisborne before the end of the summer. “(b) Nothing could be done at Morere Springs during the winter months but all arrangements are now in hand for sealing. “(c) At Nuhaka, preparation in readiness for sealing is being carried out. “(d) Tenders will be called for the Maraetaha bridges when a permit arrives from the building controller. “Gisborne-Napier, via Hangaroa, State Highway—

“(a) The gap between Frasertown and Wairoa is being given intensive grading for sealing this summer. “(b) Very good progress is being made in preparation for the sealing of a substantial length on the southern side of Wairoa. This will be sealed during the summer. “Opotiki-Te Araroa Main Highway—- “ Work is in hand on a large culvert at Punaruku. “Patutahi-Rere Main Highway.—

“It is not known what progress is being made towards strengthening and sealing on this highway as this is under direct county control, but it is hoped that the work ■will be pushed ahead.”