FERN FLAT ROAD

Northland Age, Volume 23, Issue 35, 17 December 1923, Page 7

FERN FLAT ROAD

On Tuesday last, Colonel Allen Bell, M.P., Mr. A. H. Long, County Chairman, Mr. H. H. Thompson, and Cr. Barriball, met a number of the Fern Flat road settlers, and inspected the route as far as Shackelton’s Saddle. Messrs. Frank Jacentho, W. Jones, and Rhodes accompanied the party. At the conclusion of the inspection, Mr, Jones on behalf of the settlers asked that the Shackelton Saddle route be opened up, and that a bridge be erected at once at the dangerous ford on the Waikaiuga river.

In reply Colonel Bell said that he had now no doubt as to the possibility of getting a Standard grade, down from the saddle. It was simply a matter of distauce. Whether it was practicable or not must be disclosed by survey. He would approach the Minister and have a trial grade run down both the eastern and western sides of the valley, from the saddle towards Te Koroa, and also on the western side towards Mangamuka, with a rough compass survey. They would then be able to have a plan compiled showing these routes, and also that by the Wainui, and could come to a final and satisfactory decision. With regard to the Waikainga bridges, Colonel Bell said that these had been held up for years, until the timber for the whole seven bridges could be procured from the Wainui Block. However, as some of the settlers had been waiting nearly forty years, and as one of the crossings was a really dangerous one, he would urge the Minister to proceed with the erection of a bridge at this point at once, even if it did cost a little more to construct. On the return journey, the party examined the various proposed bridge sites, and a decision was arrived at. During the tour the party were entertained at an excellent luncheon by Mrs. Jones.