MATAWAI-WAIMANA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19376, 14 July 1937, Page 6

MATAWAI-WAIMANA

STOCK ROUTE LINK IMPORTANCE TO THE BAY A.A. CONSIDERS MATTER The proposed slock route between

Matawai and Waimana and its survey were considered of the utmost importance to motorists and the Poverty Bay district by Mr. R. E. Champtaloup. the touring manager of the A.A. (Auckland), when the subject was raised at the meeting of the Gisborne advisory committee of the association yesterday afternoon, and it was decided to recommend to the council of the association the expenditure ot £lO towards the survey of the route.

The question was raised in a letter from the New Zealand Shecpowncrs' Federation stating that it was at first thought that the cost of a survey flight by plane and the taking of photographs of the proposed .stock track would cost £llO, but it was learned later that more intensive study would have to be made of the route and the cost would be nearer £6O. Of that amount £3O was to be found by the Government, £lO by the Farmers’ Union, £lO by tnc Sheepfarmers' Association, and there was still £lO to be contributed.

In his report Mr. Champtaloup said that the provision of a stock route would relieve the pressure in the Waioeka, and that was of major importance. “Poverty Bay is probably going to be the breeding ground for the Waikato, and it is not a question of the £lO but a matter of principle that is involved,” said Mr. Champtaloup. Matter of Principle He thought it was an obligation that should be met by the Government rather than to ask the already over-burdened motorists to pay a further toll because it was a matter of vital importance to the prosperity of the district. The association would pay the £lO if recommended by the meeting, he thought, but that would be for the survey and providing the Government gave an assurance that it would go further into the proposal after the survey had been completed.

Dr. A. L. Singer said the motorist was concerned in getting the stock oil the road.

Mr. M. B. Mandcr said it was quite on the cards tlv.it the route would not be practicable. Mr. 11. F. Forster asked if the Government would not be looking for the revenue from the carriage of stock through Napier by rail. Other members did not think this would be practical, but Mr. Forster said the trip could be made to the Waikato by rail in 24 hours.

The chairman. Mr. F. Tolerton. recommended that the Sheepowners’ Federation be advised that the association would find the money required provided the Government gave an assurance that the work would be carried out without imposing a further burden on motorists. On the motion of Mr. L. Miles, seconded bv Mr. Tolerton, it was decided that the committee should recommend the expenditure of £lO as a gesture bv the association in co-operation with the Sheepowners’ Federation, although it considered that the responsibility lay with the Government to complete any survey, as the matter was of vital importance to the district.