ROAD TO OTAGO

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 12

ROAD TO OTAGO

GOOD PROGRESS MADE Hon. R. Semple’s Review [Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, February 10. Surveying the progress made in the linking by road of Otago and Westland, the Minister of Public works (Hon R. Semple) stated to-day that at the Otago end 10i miles of foad( /had, been completed between Makaroro and the Haast Pass. There are two large bridges on this length, one over Cameron creek, which is now nearing completion, and one over the Makaroro stream, where pier construction is now proceeding. Two hundred men are employed at this point and are accommodated in up-to-date camps, provided with cookhouses and recreation rooms.

On the Weheka end approximately 300 men are employed on the 30mile section from Weheka to Bruce Bay. Work on this section is well advanced, and approximately twothirds of the road formation and metalling has been completed. The feature of this section is the amount of bridging, there being eight large bridges on the length. The first two bridges, which cross the Fox and Cook rivers, have now been completed and beyond this point two other reinforced concrete bridges are under construction. At the Karangarua river, a large suspension-type bridge is proposed, having a main span of 420 feet. The plans of this bridge have been completed and a start has been made with the sinking of tower foundations. Beyond the Karangarua river, three other bridges have been commenced, a large one at the Matahi river, two miles beyond Bruce Bay, having been let.by contract. All the other bridges on this section are being constructed by the departments’ labour, as it has been found exceedingly difficult to get contractors to undertake works In this isolated locality. JACKSON BAY CAMP, In addition -to constructing the road from both ends a start has now been made in establishing a camp at Jackson Bay. Tenders have been let for- the wharf, and at present 53 men and eight officers have been \ established and will be followed by regular reinforcements for several months until the complement of the camp is built up to 150 men. The feature of this camp is that it is to be an entirely self-contained community. In addition to the canteen, the following buildings have been erected: Office for staff; wireless room for communications; men’s cookhouses and bathhouse; and 50 tents. The object of establishing forces in the centre of this long highway is to enable the material for several long bridges in the central section of the work to be shipped to the scene of action so that these major works may proceed concurrently with the construction of the road. This may bring the date of completion of the road much nearer.