HIGHWAYS BOARD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16201, 26 November 1926, Page 8

HIGHWAYS BOARD

OPOTIKI'S REQUEST

The Main Highways Board, on arrival at Opotiki, after its visit to Gisbornc, received a request from the Opotiki Countv Council to the effect that it should take over a length of 18 miles of road, upon which the County has spent some £IB.OOO in the last four years. The council expressed the opinion' that the white settlers in the Bay of Plenty were rated too heavily now", and could not _ face the cost of maintaining the section referred to.

The views of the council were put forward by Mr. 11. R, Hogg, acting-chair-man of the council. After complimenting the board on the. improvements effected during its reign, he remarked that the Opotiki County had only a moderate request to make.—for the board to take over that portion of the road between Ross's bridge and the mouth of the Motu Rivet—a distance of about 18 miles—and declare it a main highway. Tlict object- of this request was found in the fact that for every pound the council spent, the Main Highways Board would subsidise that amount to the extent of 30s. The council had spent between .£16,000 and £IB,OOO on the road during thd last few years, and the ratepayers could not stand an\- higher rating. It would be a lasting benefit to the district if the board could see its way clear to take over this'road, as the 30s subsidy would relieve (ho ratepayers consider ably. The board members were non-com-mittal in reply. Mr. MeKenzie pointed out thai, although the finances of the board were in a satisfactoi'y state, they had to contend with many calls for assistance. The request would be considered at the meeting of th,i board when it is deciding on additions to the main highways. That meeting would be held on' March 31 next, Mr. J nil stated that the method of request was irregular. The request should go through the District Highways 'Council in the first instance, which body, al their pleasure, would then recommend it to the board. Mr. Hoeyr thanked the board for their patient hearing, concluding by stressing tlui urgent need for a main road to Gisborne via the Coast route.