CATTLE ON ROADS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23072, 24 June 1938, Page 14

CATTLE ON ROADS

CONGESTION PROBLEM ALTERNATIVE ROUTE URGED OPINIONS OF LOCAL BODIES Divergent views as to the alternative stock route to relieve the Great South Road from cattle droving were expressed at the conference of local bodies held last night at Manurewa. The Mayor of Manurewa, Mr. W. J. Ferguson, who presided, said that with the large increase in motor traffic it wnß desirable that something should be done. Representatives were present from the Manukau and Franklin County Councils, the Otahuhu, Manurewa and Papakura Borough Councils, and the Papatoetoe Town Board. The chairman of the Franklin County Council, Mr. J. N. Massey, said most of the stock driven over the roads consisted of boner cattle. Farmers did not find it economical to transport that class of stock to the freezing work 3. His council had realised that aspect and had considered the formation of a route from Maungatawhiri Valley to Hunua. It had also considered a relieving road through Opaheke to the east of Papakura. "Wo realise that we have a definite responsibility, and already we have applied to the Government for a grant toward the Maungatawhiri route," added Mr. Massey. Opinion ol Papakura The Mayor of Papakura, Mr. S. Evans, said his council was anxious to see a route from the Waikato. "I have been informed that I am being blamed for the stock route not being proceeded with in the past," said Mr. F. M. Waters, chairman of the Manukau County Council. He had a file of correspondence with him, Mr. Waters added, that would prove that ho and the Manukau County Council had explored every aspect of the schemes to relieve the main highways. As far back as 1926 he had obtained reports from the Publio Works Department's engineers. Mr. Waters said concessions for the transportation of stock had been granted by the Railway Department. The result was that there was now comparatively little stock driven through the Manukau county. He understood the oidy district not served fully by rail was Tuakau. Mr. Waters suggested that the conference should consider asking for that district to be included. "I believe it would be cheaper for the local bodies to pay tho difference in freight rates than to attempt to shoulder the burden of interest and sinking fund on any route," he concluded. Eastern Route Opposed Messrs. J. V. Lawes and W. D. Cowper, of Otahuhu, said their district wanted to be relieved of stock travelling through its streets. The eastern route would be opposed for, that reason. , The chairman said there seemed to be little hope of unanimity, as tho Manukau council was opposed to the western route. After a lengthy discussion the conference , a resolution affirming the desirability of a stock route being formed. It was decided to request the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Scmple. to instruct one of his responsible officers to consult with the local body engineers in locating a route, after which a report would be submitted for the approval of the local bodies. Tho resolution was adopted without dissent. Several delegates did not vote.