COMPLETION OF ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19557, 9 February 1927, Page 14

COMPLETION OF ROAD.

GREYMOUTH TO WESTIPORT. A QUESTION OF FINANCE. [by telegraph.—own CORRESPONDENT.'] CHBISTCHUBCH, Tuesday. Supporting the request from the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce that the Government should be urged to push forward the work of completing the coastwise road from Greymouth to Westport, the Canterbury Progress League met the ActingPrime Minister, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, at the Christchurch railway station on his arrival from the South, en route to Wellington. Mr. J. A. Flesher said there were only six miles of the road to be completed, but the construction, of three bridges was involved. When the road was completed, Greymouth would be in direct communication with Westport, and the distance would be practically cut in half! It was a matter that was of interest to the whole of New Zealand. Previously the two towns had been cut off by floods, and the people had been greatly inconvenienced. Mr. H. Holland, M.P., spoke of the effect the road would have in increasing the revenue of the Railway Department, and also its effect on tourist traffic.

In replying Mr. Downie Stewart said it was a question of whether or not the money was available for the work. He understood that if unemployed men were put on the work they , would have to be under skilled men. He had made inquiries to ascertain if it could be treated as relief work for the unemployed, and as yet had had no reply. He would inquire further into the matter when he reached Wellington.