DEPUTATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8076, 11 January 1888, Page 3

DEPUTATIONS.

THE BEACH ROAD.

A numerous deputatinu, consisting of the mayors of Caversham, South Duucdin, and St. Kilda, and about a dozen residents of the Peninsula, the Flat, and surrounding district, waited upon the Hou. Mr Fergus (Minister of Defence) yesterday with respect to the construction of a road from Tahnua Park to the defence works at Lawyer's Head and the Tomahawk Valley.

The deputation was introduced by Messrs W. J. M. Larnach and H. S. Fish, M.H.R's.and with the Minister of Defence were the Hons. G. Fisher (Minister of Education) and Hislop (Minister of Justice). It was represented iv the course of a lengthy interview that the road in question, which would cost about £600 or £700 only,'would be of the utmost value to many settlers in the district, who would use it in preference to any other line of communication open. It wa6 proposed to form a level road of a grade equal to Princes street, which would be far shorter and easier than the present route aud would be a boon to the whole district. Residents at South Dunedin, St. Kilda, St. Clair, Forbury, aud the Peninsula would all be benefited greatly. The usefulness of the work was so strongly urged upon the late Government that it was sanctioned, and the road line was surveyed and pegged before they quitted office, but as the construction had not been actually begun the scheme was dropped by the present Government on the ground that the road was not absolutely necessary iv connection with the Lawyer's Head defence works. The deputation represented that settlers in the suburban localities felt much aggrieved at this decision, especially as this particular district had had no public money spent upon it as yet, while it had contributed to the railway and public works in other districts.

The Hon. Mr Fkrous, in replying, intimated that it had been decided not to proceed with the road, in view of the fact that it was not needed for defence purposes. If, however, as had been stated, the work was urgently required for the convenience of settlers, it might perhaps be considered by the Government upon another footing.