CROSS-COUNTRY COMMUNICATION

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 165, 15 July 1920, Page 3

CROSS-COUNTRY COMMUNICATION

BLENHEIM TO WEST COAST.

PUBLIC WORKS APPROPRIATIONS.

INFORMATION

FROM THE

MINISTER.

The following communication, dated July .2nd, has been received by Mr R. McOallum, M.P., from the Minister for Public Works:—

"I have thoroughly inquired into the question of completing the formation and bridging of the Blenheim-to-West Coast (via Tophouse) road since the deputation waited on me at Blenheim in May last. I find that the following is the state of the items which; appeared on , the 1919-20 Public Works appropriations for work on the road:—

"Hope River Bridge: Voted, £1500 on account of £2500, Authorised, £600. Expended,/£425.

"Blenheim to Hope Junction, via Tollhouse Road: Voted, £1475. .Authorised, £725. Expended, nil. "Wairau Valley Road above the ■Branch River: Voted, £1000. Authorised, nil. "Wairau Valley .Road (right bank) Small Bridges: "Voted, £475 (£275 £1 for £1). Authorised,. £750. Expended, £31. * "Wairau River Bridge (upper): Voted,. £399 on account of £2500. Authorised, nil. "Branch River Bridge and Approaches: Voted, £500 on account- ■ Authorised, nil. "I also desire to supply the following information regarding each item: "Hope River Bridge.—This bridge is. situated in the Nelson district, and it is estimated that the cost of the oridge itself will amount to about £1500. The hardwood has been1 ordered from Australia, but the1 whole of it is not likely to arrive for some little .time. The approaches were estimated to cost £600, and an authority for that sum was issued to the Resident Engineer in June last. He had somo difficulty in obtaining labor, but "has since been able to make appreciable progress with the work, and the expenditure amounts to £425; V . , . "Blenheim to Hope Junction (via Tophouse) Road.—The £1475 appropriated tinder this title is for work on the Nelson section of the road. As labor was difficult to procure, it was not considered advisable to authorise the whole £1475, but an authority for £700 was issued to the Resident Engineer in December last for improving grades, etc., on seven miles of the road. No expenditure has come to charge against the authority, owing to the District Engineer not being able to secure labor, but he is making a further attempt to secure workmen. "Wairau River Bridge (upper).— This bridge'will cost at least £5000, but as hardwood timber is practically unprocurable, nothing would begained at present by either ordering materials or inviting tenders for the erection of the bridge, including materials. "Wairau Valley ■ Road (above Branch River).—The £1000 voted under this title is for the Blenheim section of tho road up the Wairau Valley. The Resident Emnneer recently reported that ho could not procure labor, and he is now preparing contracts for letting suitable lengths of the formation by public tender. . "Wairau Valley Road (right bank) Small Bridges.—'lt is proposed to erect motor bridges over five small streams. The estimated cost is £750, and the Wairau Road Board is finding half the cost. It was intended to use hardwood, but as that commodity cannot be procured within a reasonable- period, the Resident Engineer was informed recently that lie could use local timber. The Resident Engineer has not been able to secure caroenfcers, but if the local body considers that it can do so, I will have no objection to entrusting the oroction of tho* bridges to it. "Branch River Bridge.—The Wig appro noli embankment to this bridge was destroyed by a big flood shortly after the bridge" was erected, and a considerable expenditure will be necessary before the bridge can be used for traffic. The matter presents difficult engineering problems, and one of the inspecting engineers of*the Department will visit the locality at the first opportunity and go thoroughly into the matter, in the meantime", an engineering survey is being made of a fresh site which has been suggested."