DISTRICT WORK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 152, 13 June 1911, Page 5

DISTRICT WORK

Mr. D. McMillan, -district engineer, has returned from his visit to Waimarama district. Interviewed this morning he stated the engineering survey of the Waingongoru road is now completed and the work of construction will be pushed on immediately. When this work is finished it will complete the system of linking up between the Waimarama settlement and the beach. It is now possible to reach the Waimarama settlement with wheeled traffic by what is known as the inland road. There are seven men at work on the Maraetotara Valley road, and it is expected that in the course of a week or two this road will also be open. Several bridges have yet to be repaired, but in the meantime the road is being kept open by temporary crossings.

FUKETITIRI ROAD AND THERMAL SPRINGS.

Reference was also made by our representative to the proposed extension. of the Fuketitiri road to the hot springs. Mr. MacMillan, however, would not commit himself on this matter, but he freely expressed the opinion that the springs were some of the best he had seen in the colony. These springs are roughly 50 miles from Napier. There is a good dray road within five miles, and the remaining five miles to tiie springs are provided for with an excellently graded bridle track. It is this track which the County Council proposes should De widened to take wheeled traffic( but the question naturally presents itself as to what is the use of constructing this road unless it will lead to some attraction. Mr. MacMillan is emphatic in his opinion that the springs are as good as any he has seen outside Rotorua, and such being the case, it appears that if the extension of this road is to be justified, something should be done to provide accommodation and conveniences. There is an unlimited quantity of water at the springs of almost any temperature and the provision of splendid baths is possible without prohibitive cost.

How do the Fuketitiri springs compare with Tarawera?” Mr. MacMillan was asked. He replied, “Tarawera is only a circumstance beside them. People have no idea what these springs are like,” Now arrangements have been made between the County Council and the sawmillers to keep the Pukitiri road in good order there will be a good level road within fifteen miles of the springs. The dray road will extend ten miles beyond the timber traffic and only five miles of widening remains to place the springs within comfortable wheel connection with Napier. If, however, money is to be expended upon widening and improving the road, something should be done to make the baths convenient and attractive.