DUNEDIN-PORT CHALMERS ROAD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20867, 6 November 1929, Page 12

DUNEDIN-PORT CHALMERS ROAD.

QUESTION OF RECONSTRUCTION.

WEST HARBOUR COUNCIL’S ' VIEWS.

The question of the reconstruction of the Dunedin-Port Chalmers road again received attention. at last night’s meeting of the West Harbour Borough Council. Correspondence from the Port Chalmers Borough Council and the Otago Expansion League in connection with the road was read hy the town clerk, but before this was considered the Mayor (Mr H, E. Moller) made a statement for the benefit of the councillors. He said the council was not sitting tight and doing nothing. The reconstruction of the highway was a question of pounds, shillings, and pence. When the commission was appointed to consider the proportion of the cost of the upkeep of the road, it was stated that the road was not necessary for Port Chalmers, but now it seemed that the road was of vital importance to that borough. The borough engineer had been instructed to supply plans on the reconstruction work of the road, and when asked how much he considered the undertaking would cost he had stated that £40,000 or £50,000 would cover the work. If the road would cost that amount he (Mr Moller) took it that the bodies interested would have to contribute the following sums: Main Highways -Board, £25,000; Dunedin City Council, £10,000; West Harbour Council, £7000; Port Chalmers Council, £7000; Waikouaiti Council, £IOOO. It would place heavier rates on the residents if the road was to be rebuilt, and he was doubtful whether a proposal would be carried if a poll was taken. A special meeting of the council would be held in two weeks’ time to discuss the whole position. _ The town clerk of Port Chalmers, ■ in. his letter, stated that at the last meeting of that body the feeling was expressed that the time had arrived when an endeavour should be made to formulate a proposal which would bring about an improvement to the Dunedin-Port Chalmers road. ■ A conference of representatives from the local authorities concerned would be held in Dunedin on November 22. . The object of the' conference was to have a general discussion" on matters affecting the road" and to endeavour to evolve some scheme hy which it could be improved. The West Harbour Council was invited to send representatives to the conference.

The Major, Crs Smith and Kay were appointed to represent the council at the conference.