THE HAVELOCK-PICTON ROAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 3 February 1936, Page 6

THE HAVELOCK-PICTON ROAD

DECLARED A MAIN HIGHWAY The announcement that the Have-lock-Picton road had been declared a main highway will be popularly appreciated in Marlborough, and in the national aspect it also deserves approval beyond this province (comments the “Express”). It means materially better finance for a work of many-sided importance, for, even if the Marlborough County spend no more than £250 a year it has been devoting to the Picton-Grove section, the standard subsidy of £3 for £1 due under the higher classification will ensure an annual expenditure of £IOOO. A quicker rate of development and a Letter class of improvement are to be commended for a number of reasons, including the wise principle of bringing centres of population into more convenient contact, the more advantageous transport of settlers’ produce and supplies, and, last but not least, the purpose of opening up to the general public the best natural attractiveness of the Dominion. A road of the class proposed may short-circuit some of the traffic that passes over the Nelson-Havelock-Blenheiin highway, but in the general scheme of things it should he of considerable value, developmental and otherwise, to the whole province. Especially its authorisation is significant to the growing importance of the Marlborough Sounds as a region of tourist interest and a central national playground. The route overlooks a magnificent stretch of the 'Sounds, and will popularise one of the, finest and most accessible drives in New Zealand. Appreciation of the beauty of the Sounds region and adjoining localities is extending, and we may take the opportunity of remarking that it was a pleasing instance of this fact that was afforded by the letter received by the Ngakuta scenic hoard from Mr G. ITusheer, of Napier, enclosing a donation of £25, and stating that he had “derived much pleasure from using the wonderful Rietou-Grove road to Havelock.” In the same communication Mr Husheer praised the fine work done by the Pelorus scenic hoard, to whose funds he donated £35 a few years ago. He and others who have thus assisted and encouraged the scenic boards are to be thanked for a very fine line of practical citizenship.