ROADING PROJECT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 15

ROADING PROJECT

Sir, —Your correspondent "Camper," writing in the Hkrald of January 11, criticises the condition of the Upper Wainiana Valley road, which runs between and forms the boundaries of Opotiki and Whakatane Counties. This road was laid off for the purpose of connecting by a shorter route tlie Hay of Plenty with Hawke's Bay, via Wainiana Valley and Waikarenioana Lake road. On the first 20 miles of formed motor road, with bridges, but without metal, about £BO,OOO of Government circulation money was expended. A private contractor would have no doubt been pleased to take half this amount to complete the whole road, to the Waikarenioana Lake motor road. This would have solved to a considerable extent the problem of providing an alternate route for motorists and the large mobs of travelling stock, which to-day make a holidav little hut a least of dust. Beyond the 20 miles of the Wainiana river road a six-foot track on a flood grade has been formed for a distance "of 17 miles to Maungapohatu, where there is an historical Maori settlement, established in early years and subsequently occupied by J "a before be decided to come out and spend bis declining years in a more civilised part of the country at Waimana. I'rom the end of this six-foot track to the Waikareinoana motor road is eight miles along a ridge. It is estimated that a feu- thousands would comp j the link, which would give motoiists a chance of a holiday free from travellin.r through stock. A petition to 1 ailianient would no doubt be well supnort bv the two members representni J the Bav and the Whakatane County Council would also assist to r ? °" 1^ pte the link. K - y ' W -