COUNTY COUNCILLORS VISIT GLENORCHY.

Lake County Press, Issue 2858, 14 October 1920, Page 5

COUNTY COUNCILLORS VISIT GLENORCHY.

A Strenuous Day.

All the re«ent meeting of the Lake County Council a sub-committee wae appointed to visit the Head of Lake with a view to adjusting several matters in connection with the acquisition of land required for the Reee River road deviation. The trip to Qlenorohy was undertaken on Friday last, the party comprising Crs Wm Reid (Chairman of the Council), J. Cockburn, and G. 8. Edie, Mr Wesley Turlon (County Solicitor), Mr Powell (County Inspector), and a Lake County Press representative. The party left Queenstown in Mr Tomkiea’ launch " Muratai ” at 8 a.m., and despite a strong head wind the launch made good time, G’enorchy being reached at 11.40 a.m. On arrival Or Gao. Reid, member for Greenstone Riding, assumed charge of the party, and after lunch a start was made in a four horse drag for the Bees River The new road branches from the present thorough* fare at the Rees River and follows the bank of the river up the new bridge a distance of nearly two miles. For some distance the road passes through the property of Messrs Kennet Bros, and Woodley, and the members of the council were met by Messrs Eennet and arrangements satisfactorily completed in regard to fencing and other matters connected with the road. Half a mile from the big bridge the road crosses the Twelve Mile Creek, anda single span bridge over this stream is nearing completion. The approaches to this bridge necessitated a good deal of excavation work, and it is understood that the approach on the western bank is to be still further widened. This is a very pretty spot, and its scenic beauties will appeal to thousands of tourists who will travel over the road. After leaving the Twelve • Mile the road follows the river bed for some distance and the Bees River bridge is approached almost at right angle. The bridge is an imposing structure. 860 ft in length and comprising 48 spans of 20ft. It was constructed by the Public Works Department, under the direction of Mr B S. Auburn, whose excellent work in connection with the Lower Shotover, Arthur’s Point, and other local bridges is well known to residents of Lake County. The approach to the bridge from the eastern side is very narrow, and drags and other large vehicles will require to exercise great ears in going on to the bridge. However, the Department will probably attend to this matter before the bridge is officially declared open for traffic. After crossing the bridge the road will pass through Mr Charles Haines’ property for a distance of 28 chains, and at present there is a dead-lock in regard to the acquisition of the land required for the road, consequently this portion has not been formed. After passing through Mr Haines’ property the road runs along the base of the Lover’s Leap until the Eamslaw stream is reached. Heira some heavy excavation work is in progress, and a commencement will shortly be made with the ereetion of a two span bridge, which Mr Aburn expects to have completed about the end of November. After crossing the Earnslaw the road passes through a splendid birch forest for a distance of half a mile and rejoins the old road at Walker’s Terrace. The length of the Dew road is about three and a-half - {biles, and' the distance' between £flenbxohy and Paradise vm the Bees

River bridge will be increased by about a mile and a half. The road, however, passes through some magnificent scenery, and the pleasure of the drive to and from Paradise will be greatly enhanced, Provided that arrangements are completed for the acquisition of Mr Haines' land it is expected that the new road will be open for traffic before the end of the year. The inspecting party returned to Glenoroby at 5 p.m. after a very strenuous day. In the evening the councillors and the county solicitor met Mr Haines and endeavoured to arrange an amicable settlement in regard to the land required by the council. It is understood that there was a wide divergence of opinion in regard to the value of the land and the .amount of compensation, and after a conference extending over two hours, the proceedings wer6 abandoned. The council will now probably taks steps to acquire the land under section 11, of “ The Land Act, 1908."

The party left Glenoroby at 8 a.m on the following morning, and Queenstown was safely reached after a iast run of 8 hrs 8 minutes.