NELSON-BLENHEIM ROAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 7 April 1922, Page 7

NELSON-BLENHEIM ROAD

another viewpoint SPRINT. CREEK ROAD HOARD'S OPINION Tho Pclonis Road Hoard s scheme for tlie apportionment oi the cost o( maintaining the main arterial road from Blenheim to Nelson was submitted to the meeting of the Spring Creek Road Hoard says the Marlborough Express. The promised division of the cost, was as follows: Wairau Road Board 33 per cent.. Omaha Road Board 23 per cent., Pelorus Road Hoard 17 per cent., Spring Creek Road Board 15 per cent.. Piet on ( Rond Board 11 per cent., and Havelock Town Board 1 per cent. The chairman (Mr J. IP Sutherland) said the Pelorus Board seemed to look on the road as the only main road in the district. But this was a wrong impression. for’the Spring Creek Board was compelled to hear the maiotonance of an arterial mad. whilst main roads passed through other districts. He could not understand why the Blenheim Borough was excluded front the list. Members concurred that the Pelorus Hoard had the greatest length of main road of any to support, and many byroads as well. Mr Matthews: "It’s coming to this: it is either ourselves nr the Government .

■v r A.Robertson noinied out that the Government was going fully into the question of main rohds and intended calling a conference in connection with the subject. “I think the Pelorus Board is anxious to improve the riiad before winter.'' lie added.

The Chairman: “A very desirable thing.” It. was thought by some speakers that the figures quoted in the letter were only tentative, mid it would he necessary to have a Commission to reach the final decision in the apportionment. Mr Robertson: “I think the mailer should be in abeyance.” Mr A. J. Mills; “I am of that npin.on because the Alain Roads Rill will be coding before Parliament again next, session.”

On the motion of Mr Robert son it was resolved Mint consideration of the Polorus Board's letter be held in abevanoe.

Mr C. Matthews: “I know what f would do if f resided in tin* Pelorns district —f would agitate for the institution of toll gates.” He .asserted that it was only necessary to watch the cars as they passed along the Blcnheim-Nol-son mad to see that they came trom all over New Zealand, Tourists and sightseers were the chief users, and toll-gates would compel them to contribute to me upkeep''of .the thoroughfare they were using. Mr .1. O’Dwyer; “A toll-gate would lye preltv rough on the service cars.” Mr Mai thews; “They would pass the cost on to tiie passengers.”'