HANGAROA HIGHWAY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11953, 25 May 1933, Page 7

HANGAROA HIGHWAY

MAINTENANCE I, J ABILITY

TAKING OVER BY OOTNCIL

/URGED

CONFERENCE TO EE HELD

Further reference to the longstanding question of responsibility for maintenance of the GisborneWairoa via Tlangaroa highway was made at yesterday’s meeting of the Cook County ■ Council and. following a brief discussion, it was decided in confer with Mr. 0. O. Thornton ‘regarding tho question. , Regarding this matter. Mr. 0. G, Thornton, district representative of tho Main- Highways Board, wrote as follows:

“Th'e. hoard desires me to state that the. council’s reply is of a disappointing nature, and that it appears to the hoard that, if the council considers the maintenance of this highway is too heavy a burden for the ridings concerned, the council should, at any rate, declare the highway to he a county road in order to faclitate the carrying-out of reasonable maintenance, which is admittedly necessary. I. am to commend this course for your consideration/’ 5

“They haven’t even replied to our letter,” contended Cr.’ Mi T, B. Hall. "It is move or less heating about the bush to suggest the council should pay instead of the riding. The council is in the same position as tho ridings.’’ Cr. E. H. Baker considered that the board' should certainly give some assistance.

The chairman (M*v. Chas. Maththews) pointed ' out that the . board would do something probably, hut tho council’s allocation was desired Cr. Hall considered that the publie‘were ignorant of the position regarding the road. To catch up now, an expenditure of . £7OOO or £BOOO would he necessary. The ratepayers word not in the position to ■ contribute more- than they were doing, lie believed the riding members should confer with Air. Thornton •on the matter, for by the present exchange of letters no progress was being made. This was one of, the. most important highways in the district arid th>3 position was very urgent. It was said the hoard lincK'Uo funds, but ho know the hoard had authorised the bitumenising of a. deviation near Hamilton whore there was. a I-■ ready a' good 5 metal/road.' Ho moved that the chairman. Or. Balter and himself interview M}'k T ,in yntpn on the matter. This was seconded by the chairman. The motion was then carried. ,