TRAM GULLY ROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21743, 7 March 1934, Page 13

TRAM GULLY ROAD

Sir, —In reply to Mr. Coleman's able letter of March 2, in which he questions Mr. H, P. Garland's opinion, may 1 say that Mr. Coleman may not know that Mr. Garland was for many years resident in Awhitu and his knowledge of the district is equalled by very few. His association with the old Awhitu Road Board is gratefully remembered by all old residents and his opinion is very highly valued. In my humble opinion, the alternative route would, if formed, be impassable (unless metalled) for many months of the year, being very low ; lying countrv and subject to floods, and there is no clay road so bad as the low flats. It Mould be nice if Mr. Coleman would leave Orua Bay residents out of :it, as was done when the petition was sent to the Minister. G. Millktt. Orua Bay.

Sir, —Re "Ratepayer's" assertion that the Franklin County Council declined to consider an alternative route to Tram Gully, I would suggest his memory has "skidded" on the alternative route, otherwise he would recollect that at a public meeting at Graham's Beach the chairman of the Franklin County Council stated that the council was quite in sympathy with any improved roads or routes, but, owing to financial stringency, were quite unable to conduct an investigation. However, some free money was available for Tram Gully Road,, and it was a pity to refuse it. J would suggest to "Ratepayer" that the council has made up its mind, also the majority of the ratepayers have proved their confidence in the council's policy of all-weather surfacing the existing main roads by 19 of them guaranteeing £4O toward shelling or metalling Tram Gully. I would, also stress the points that the alternative route to Tram Gully would be a greater distance to Orua Bay and only a summer road unless metalled. "Ratepayer" shows himself out of touch with public feeling in his statement that there has been no cry for an allweather road to Graham's Beach. Graham's Beach, with the rest of the district, has been hoping and waiting for years. M. J. Asjpix. Graham's Beach.