Alternative Road to Blackball Not Considered Necessary

Grey River Argus, 7 October 1949, Page 2

Alternative Road to Blackball Not Considered Necessary

At yesterday's meeting of the Grey County Council a letter received by Cr J. Ryall, M.L.C., from the Minister of Works, the Hon. R. Semple, concerning the proposal for alternative road access to the Blackball township was read. The Minister said that he had been advised that the question concerned a raid that, was commenced during the depression as an alternative to the existing access. Only a small portion of the work was completed, and the project was then abandoned.”

Mi- Semple said that he had received a report on the present Nga-here-Blackball main highway, which from the ' Grey River bridge to Blackball was in good condition and adequate for all requirements, except for a length of 25 chains of narrow winding roadway. The intention for the new road was apparently to improve on this short stretch of sub-standard roadway. It was considered that there was little justification for the proposed road in normal times, with plentiful labour, and none at all in present conditions. * /

If the new road was built it would probably be taken over by the main Highways Board in place of the existing highway which would then revert to a country road, added Mr Semple. The latter could not be closed as for a distance off 50 chains it provided access to most of the houses in Blackball, and it appeared that the change-over would not be to the advantage of the Grey County Council. He said that the work involved in the proposal consisted of 20 chains of heavy sidling construction, and the improvement to main highway standard of about 30 chains of primitive streets.

In conclusion, Mr Semple said that he understood the Council had in hand a programme of improvements to the existing highway which he thought would suit their purpose and everyone else concerned better than being side-tracked to the proposed new road.

The letter was received at the meeting, members having no comment to make.