KAIMAI ROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 12

KAIMAI ROAD

IMPROVEMENT PLAN ESTIMATED COST £12,700 COUNTY ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORHESI'ONDENT] TAURANGA, Saturday An important propositi in regard to tlio improvement of the Kainiai Road came before the Taurangn County Council at its meeting this week. A letter from Mr. H. Watkinson, district engineer of the Public Works Department, stated that an engineering survey recently undertaken by the department for a distance of two miles from the southern side of the Ruahihi Bridge showed that the alignment of the road could be considerably improved by departing from the present road line for this portion, at the same time shortening the distance by somewhat over half a mile. The total estimated cost was £12,740. Provided that the County Council would contribute one-quarter of the cost, the Main Highways Board would approve of the work being carried out and find the balance of £9555. The council was asked to consider the matter as early as possible, and advise whether it would make the necessary contribution. Objections to Proposal Mr. ,Watkinson pointed out that, on the institution of the proposed Stato highways system, the council would receive substantial relief, and should then be in a position to make a reasonable contribution toward these improvements for which it had pressed on previous occasions. Tho chairman, Mr. G. H. Mends, said ho did not think tho council could entertain the proposal. Mr. C. E. S. Gane stated it would mean a loan. Later tho council brought the matter before Mr. C. H. Burnett, M.P., who attended tho meeting. Mr. Gane said the Kaimai Road had to bo maintained, and the present proposal for tho council to contribute did not appear to him to ho fair. Although the Government was taking over main highways through tho country, tho council would lose heavy traffic fees. The council would thus really be worse off. Tho council did not have definite information in regard to taking over highways or the heavy traffic fees. Mr. Burnett suggested that the council should communicate with the Minister of Public Works in regard to points raised by Mr. Gane. Mr. McKeuna contended that the Government should accept tho responsibility of putting the Kaimai Road in order. The Council's Decision Mr. Gane said hundreds of county ratepayers did not benefit by tho road and yet had to contribute to tho maintenance of it.

Mr. Sinclair suggested that a counter proposal bo mado that the County Council contribute £IOOO and tho Borough Council £IOOO. It should not be a riding matter. . Mr. Burnett said he desired to help tho council, and if the Kaimai Road were thoroughly improved it would be of tremendous advantage to the Fast Coast. The council eventually decided to ask the Borough Council if it would assist in the proposed scheme, and also to request the Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce to join the County Council in a deputation to Wellington urging the Government to carry out improvements to tho Kaimai Road. It was agreed that the council's deputation to Wellington comprise tho chairman, clerk and engineer.