BLENHEIM-KAWATIRI ROAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 June 1936, Page 3

BLENHEIM-KAWATIRI ROAD

“M.A.A. WATCHFUL” PROTEST TO MINISTER When a list of the local highways to be taken oyer by the Main Highways Board, was read at the Marlborough Automobile Association meeting, it was immediately pointed out that one very important route — that from Blenheim to Kawatiri—had not been included (reports the “Express”).' After a brief discussion it was decided, on the motion of the president (Mr R. P. Furness), seconded by Mr W. J. Girling, to approach the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple), through the member for the district, pointing out that the road had not been added to the schdeule of State highways, although it was a main arterial road.

The opinion was expressed by Mr H. J. Stace that the Highways Board apparently did not look on the road as an important .one. The County Council, he said, had been endeavouring' for a long - time to get several streams on this side of the Wash bridged', but although the council was prepared to find its share, all that it could get from the board was promises. “Really it is a bigger highway, as far as we are concerned, than the one to Nelson,” he added. NELSON OPPOSITION The secretary. (Mr R. WandtrO said he understood that Nelson was bitterly opposed to this highway. “It means a tremendous lot to us. this rapid communication with the Coast,” remarked Mr Furness, in stressing the. importance of the road. Thev were not being parochial about it, he added, and any effect that the taking over of the road would

have on Nelson should not enter into it at all. “We want rapid communication with the Coast for many reasons, and we have got to have it,” he declared.

At the suggestion of the secretary (Mr R. Wanden), it was decided to appoint the president and Messrs H. J. Stace, J. F. Neal, and W. J. Girling, as a roads and bridges sub-com-mittee. “We will have to be prepared to act very quickly, just at the present, in regard to some of these things if we are to get our share of the loaves and fishes,” he remarked.