THE HAAST ROAD

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1936, Page 4

THE HAAST ROAD

DUNEDIN DISCUSSION. The Otago Expansion League recently held its annual meeting, which, according to ftte Dunedin Star, th* Mayor (Mr Cox) described as “dull and lifeless.” Mr Cox, also, could not see any good in the construction of a road over the Hhast Pass. He said it was a matter for the West Coast, not for Otago! The adverse comment provoked the Star to reply that the predominant opinion among those who are ccfnversant with the need for increased and closer settlement in New Zealand, and also for the development of South Island tourist routes, is that the Haast Pass route should go through. The Otago Daily Times comments to the effect that the project of. a road over the Haast Pass, lias been a standing dish for so longj that it has perhaps somewhat outworn its welcome. That is not to say that it is not justified, and the League would do well to keep the matter to the lore in its propaganda. The Expansion League is sending representatives to the Coast to-day with the Otago delegation to investigate the roading scheme ) accompanied also by representatives of the Dunedin newspapers. The visit should go a long way to bestir the interests of the League, for the alternative route via Eglinton Valley now comes forward as being the better, because of linking with the road to Milford Sound, as part of the tourist roading proposal to encircle the South Island.