SOUTHLAND’S ROADS

Southland Times, Issue 20669, 15 December 1928, Page 7

SOUTHLAND’S ROADS

REQUESTS BY MOTOR ASSOCIATION. HEARD BY COUNTY COUNCIL. Several matters of importance to motorists were placed before the Southland County Council yesterday by a deputation consisting of Messrs J. R. Haigh and W. A. Stout, from the Motor Association. The requests were stated in letters written to the council by the secretary of the association, Mr J. S. Dick. The first read: "Some time ago, the association wrote pointing out the desirability of some passing places for vehicles being provided along the narrow stretch of the West Plains road which runs through some low-lying country to the east of the bridge of the Oreti river in the West Plains district. The country is low-lying and consequently the flanks of the road become very soft and boggy in wet weather. As a result when two vehicles meet, one or the other stands a chance of getting badly stuck through having to pull off the metal in order to pass on the narrow road.” After Mr Haigh had explained the position, it was decided that the road would receive attention by the end of January. The second letter read: "At a recent meeting of the Southland Motor Association, I was directed to write to you asking that the council favourably consider erecting street names at all street corners on the North road in Waikiwi between the Bay road and the West Plains road. At the present time strangers and even local people have very great difficulty in locating streets in Waikiwi.” In regard to this request, the deputation was advised that the matter would receive favourable consideration. A further request was contained in the following letter: "The Motor Association wishes to support the Pukerau Farmers’ Union in its representation for a small bridge to be erected on the low-lying portion of the main road at McNab. At the present time this portion of road floods very easily in wet weather and is the cause of inconvenience to vehicular traffic which is held up on the road at such times.” Mr Haigh mentioned that this portion was the weakest link in the road to Dunedin. It was decided that the council should make application for a main highway grant for this purpose when next year’s estimates were considered. A further letter was read from the secretary of the association drawing attention to the dangerous turn on the road at the cemetery corner at Waikawa. Mr Stout said that the work required tq remove the dangerous bluff could probably be done with a pick and shovel. "In time,” suggested Mr Basstian, the county engineer. It was finally decided to make application for a main highways grant when next year’s estimates are considered.