NGAHAURANGA GORGE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12434, 30 April 1926, Page 7

NGAHAURANGA GORGE

CONTROL BOARD APPROVES MAKARA ADVISED TO SUPPORT SCHEME MOTORISTS WILL BE PLEASED General Approval was expressed yesterday at the meeting of the City and Suburban Highways Board at the proposals put forward for the improvement and permanent surfacing of Ngahauranga Gorge road, together with the hope that the Makara ratepayers would support the scheme when submitted for their approval. The Mayor (Mr C. B. Norwood), who presided at the opening, congratulated Mr E. Windley, chairman of Makara County Council, upon their enterprise and decision to take a real share in forwarding the interests of their district, and the Wellington district generally. Only material gain could result. from the improvement of the main outlet to the district and city, and he hoped that the ratepayers would realise that when the £12,000 loan proposal came before them. The Local Highways Board was certainly’ most anxious to see the city’s outlet through the Ngahauranga Gorge second to none of any city, and hoped that the new road would be an accomplished fact by next paving season. Councillor H. D. Bennett also congratulated Mr Windley and Makara Council, and said that not only had the financial problem been cleared up, but the district and the city were to he provided with a magnificent outlet road, with no severe bends and greatly improved grades. He hoped ratepayers were fully seized of the opportunity that was presented to them to relieve very considerably the finances of the county. Mr S. G. Nathan expressed the satisfaction of motorists generally at such a fine scheme. If it was necessary to close the road during the progress of the work the motorists would accept the position cheerfully, and give all the assistance in their power. Mr A. I. Mackay, chairman of the Hutt County Council, said the Main Highways Board must also he thanked for its assistance, without which the work could not possibly have been undertaken. Mr A. J. McCurdy, Mayor of Upper Hutt, said Makara County Council was like other local bodies proposing such work, handicapped by the fact that the proposal had to be carried by a-three-fifths and not a bare majority. Mr MeCnrdy spoke of Mr Winclley’s leading part in bringing the proposal to a practical form. Mr Norwood remarked that it was an established fact that the district with tiic best roads made the best progress. He hoped that every person who had a vote would see that their interests were hound up with the carrying out of the work proposed. ‘Mr Windley thanked the members for their good wishes. He agreed with Mr Norwood that the national aspect bad only an indirect appeal to the ratepayers of Makara, but, getting right down to rock bottom, there was going to he a saving, for it. was a sheer waste of money to maintain the road in its present state. 1