HIGHWAY SEALING ON A MODEST SCALE FOR GISBORNE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22889, 8 March 1949, Page 4

HIGHWAY SEALING ON A MODEST SCALE FOR GISBORNE

PROGRAMME FOR 1949-50

Results cf an inquiry made by the Minister of Works, Mr. R. Semple, through the Main Highways Board indicate that the Gisborne district will have a modest programme of highway sealing for 1949-50, the only work specifically included in the board’s plans being top-sealing between an eight-mile stretch north of To Karaka.

¥- This is revealed in a letter written i by the Minister to the Gisborne district j member, Mr. D. W. Coleman, and for- : warded by the latter to Mr. T. A. N. j Corson, late president of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce. An important feature of the Main Highways Board programme is that i Gisborne district roads are fo be sealed after only minimum reconstruction.

In his letter to Mr. Coleman the Minister refers to inquiries made by Mi'. Corson prior to his retirement from the Chamber of Commerce presidency. Fiesent and Future Seasons

“It appears that a programme of priority work, details of which are known to the Gisborne-East Coast Regional Council—on which body the chamber is represented—has been commenced as follows: — “(1) That the sealing of State highways proceed with a minimum of reconstruction as under (total distance about 17 miles): (a) Close the gap between this season’s work and the existing sealing on the Wharerata State highway; <b) close two- gaps near Waiomoku, between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay, on the East Coast State highway; and (c) extend main north road sealing to Te Karaka. “(2) Continue with work on Trafford’s Hill. When this is completed to the extent of by-passing the threequarters of a mile of steep winding section on the Opotiki side of the divide, and the existing road to Matawai on the Gisborne side improved, as conditions exist at present further work in this locality would appear to be warranted. Any continuance of the work beyond this stage is therefore to be subject to review.

“(3) During the following seasons it is suggested that generally sealing ‘as is’ with a minimum of reconstruction should be carried out (a) from Te Karaka to Waikohu at the foot of the Otoko Hill, 8 miles; and (b) possibly some sealing north of Tolaga Bay. “(4) Good progress has been made in the sealing of the Napier-Wairoa highway and it is hoped to have this completed within the next few years. A start has been made with sealing on the WairoaWharerata length, wheih work it may be possible to keep going; the completion of this sealing may follow a year or two after the former length of highway.

“With reference to this programme, it must, however, be noted that two factors will delay the work for the current year,” continues Mr. Semple. Flood Took Metal Stock-Pile “In the first place the flood of last May and the subsequent employment of available plant and labour on restoration work has to a considerable extent delayed preparation of road surfaces for sealing. % “In the case of State highway 49 (Gisborne-Wairoa, via Morere) the stock pile of metal held last autumn for the metalling of this work was entirely used on repairs of county roads and for railway ballast. The Waipaoa River is barely yet low enough to permit of the winning of large quantities of suitable shingle.

“A further complication on highway No. 49 is the fact that the two Maraetaha bridges are unlikely to be completed for at least another seven or eight months. There are somewhat substantial fillings at their approaches and it would appear preferable to allow them to consolidate before any sealing is attempted over them. The threemile length would be in a much better state to seal the following season. “Every Effort Possible” Promised

"Having regard to the finance, manpower and material which it may be possible to make available towards these works in the Gisborne district, you may rest assured that every effort possible will be made to have these improvement works carried out as soon as reasonably possible,” concludes the Minister.

Commenting upon, the indications given by Mr. Semple as to the work envisaged in the Gisborne district, and the vague time limits set upon even so mild a programme of sealing effort, Mr. Corson stated today that all local authorities should take careful note of the Minister’s qualified undertakings. “Wliat Mr. Semple offers now is not by any means sufficient to satisfy the urgent needs of (this district,” he stated,. ‘‘We know the difficulties of man-power, labour and finance, but I at least am not convinced that Mr. Semple has been properly seized with the backwardness of our communications. “It seems to me, disturbing that he should advocate for Gisborne and its environs a sealing programme with a minimum of reconstruction.

“Minister Fobs Off Gisborne’s Needs “This looks like a cheap job which we are offered as a sop to public opinion. We need sealed surfaces on our main outlets and district highways, but it is a question of considerable importance whether local authorities and business organisations in the district should concur in this programme merely to secure early benefits. “Other districts more favoured by the Minister and the Main Highways Board are having their roads fully reconstructed before sealing. Why should Gisborne be content with a job that will have a limited life, with no certainty that it will be replaced within a measurable span of years? “In Mr. Coleman's covering letter to the Minister’s memorandum, the district member states that Mr, Semple’s letter is self-explanatory. I lully agree with that observation, but I doubt whether the explanation would be interpreted in the same way by Mr. Coleman and by me.

“My own interpretation is that the Minister intends to fob off Gisborne’s just claims with a shoddy substitute for a good permanent job on our highways. This matter certainly should not be left where the Minister and Mr. Coleman arc prepared to abandon it.”