GREAT SOUTH ROAD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23865, 20 July 1939, Page 8

GREAT SOUTH ROAD

OTAGaWESTLAND LINK MEMORIAL TO MR SEMPLE Mr W. D, Nolan, a settler, Upper Okuru, South Westland, writes:—r The far south is taking up with much spontaneous enthusiasm, .the movement to erect some suitable memorial on the Divide of the Haast Pass road, to commemorate the name of the Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple) in connection with the great achievement of joining up the two provinces, Otago and Westland, with a modem motor road. Needless to state the enterprise is appreciated greatly by the isolated settlers in southern Westland, after a vigil of some 50 years, during which period many nrivations and hardships were suffered by one and all. The community is indebted to the Vincent and Westland County Councils for taking up this matter, and the response in the south has been most pleasing. Even the public works men were anxious to join with the settlers, and overseers and workmen alike have contributed readily. It was pleasing to see the spirit of co-opera'‘on which speaks volumes for the esteem in which the workmen hold their leader. The blazing of the trail through southern Westland and the Haast Pass is really a great national work, and will serve as a lasting memorial to the New Zealand Government.