THE PARAHEKA ROAD.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 4746, 14 September 1935, Page 4

THE PARAHEKA ROAD.

(To the Editor). Sir,—For some three or four months the Paraheka Road, leading into Messrs. Swanson and Chambers' property has been closed to wheel traffic owing to a large washout, some 16 to 17 feet deep, by about the same in width. No warning has been given in the "Chronicle," 'no steps have been taken to make this man trap safe. So far we have had only one minor accident, when one of the local settlers had to dig his child and her pony out of the gap in question. Two County Engineers have inspected this washout, but they say nothing can be done without Government aid. In watching the dragging operations after the late tragedy at Wairere bridge I thought it might be as well if the public were informed of this matter. The washout would accommodate three or four motor cars and a motor lorry quite comfortably. If this unsightly hole is not bridged in some way, we will be able to stage a firstclass catastrophe locally. It is high time that some responsible authority was placed in charge of our highways with the power to act immediately when delay endangers human lives.— I am, etc., C. MACFARLANE. Aria.

On this matter being referred to the Waitomb County Engineer, we were informed that this section of the Paraheka Road is in the Ohura County which is responsible for the section, though the Waitomo County pays half the cost of maintenance. The Ohura County has made application to the Public Works Department for a flood damage grant for the slip, and the Waitomo County is awaiting the result of the request from the Ohura County.—Editor.