Paranui Again Makes History

Northland Age, Volume XVIII, Issue 40, 22 February 1949, Page 6

Paranui Again Makes History

(by Tramper)

EFFORTS OF A FEW l’aranui situated some 11 miles from Mangonui and 30 miles from Kaitaia has, it would appear, untold wealth, natural and aided. We find out there is those poor looking hills, road shale in unknown nauntities, the most used and valued in the County. From here we journey up this poor valley along the narrow and winding road into more fertile land ; here is situated the much talked of limeworks. Everywhere you see this lime rock projecting from the earth. From here we find that a few enterprising setlers have now constructed a road to Peria, the road two miles in length to the main highway which hitherto was 14 miles to the same point, and puts the timeworks within 18 miles of Kaitaia. It was the demand of this lime that prompted these people to form this road (not a retreating track from the cowboys who charge on their steeds with lance) but from the business point. When interviewed, my informant said there would be a toll charged to all users. There would not be a toll gate providing the user was honest. Notices are erected where tolls are to be paid. Asked why the Public Works or County Council were not asked to do this work, it was stated that they have been, with letters dating back to 1928, deputations and petitions all without success. The road is strictly private and through entirely private property, and the cost was less in hundreds than the Public Works estimated in thousands. Two bulldozers did the work in a little over 60 hours, together with a little manpower for culverts, bridges, trimming, etc. When asked if the road would be metalled, this would depend on the support the public gave the road , at the present time this looked br.ght and was under discussion. As most of the shareholders of this road (known as Berghan's Road) live ir. the Peria district, ask what benefit the Paranui people would get from this venture, it was stated they had nothing to lose but vereything to gy ; n, being a place of few car owners (in f..ct, one), the N.Z. Road Services have extended their buses in here and have offered a regular service to the people if they so desire during the fine weather. This also will be an excellent stock route as the sales are in Peria, in short, everything except the beaches So we find that this road can be J.->ed for many things including toe cartage of lime, shale, timber, posts, and firewood which is in abundance. Ihe nearest read to a shopping centre, end last but not least, if tiece - .iv n retreat by the back doer from th. Martins and the Coys.