NEW MAIN ROAD

Southland Times, Issue 22068, 15 July 1933, Page 6

NEW MAIN ROAD

MATAURA TO CLINTON. COUNTY COUNCIL’S APPROVAL. The recent proposal of Mr Thomas Herron, of Otaraia, that the old coach road from Mataura to Clinton should be made a main highway, was dealt with in a letter from Mr J. S. Dick, secretary of the Southland Motor Association, to yesterday’s meeting of the Southland County Council. The member for the riding concerned immediately signified his approval of the proposal, and it was decided that the council would favour it providing that unemployed labour could be used on the job. The following advantages arising from the use of the road namjd by Mr Herron were quoted by Mr Dick in his letter:—

(1) The advantage of being in an area not liable to flooding, as it is close to the headwaters of the creeks and rivers that caused the recent flooded state of the main highway. (2) There are about nine miles of this' road unmetalled, though all culverts, bridges and cuttings are provided.

(3) Metal and gravel are in the locality.

(4) It is about nine miles shorter than the main highway. (5) There is one railway crossing as against six on the main highway.

“I think there is less than nine miles to be gravelled,” said Councillor F. F. Trapski, the member for Mataura riding. “The road is a highway now as far as Wairikiki and it would be an advantage to have all of it a highway. I’m in favour of putting it through. It is a suitable work for the unemployed. I tried to get a camp for single men before and was willing to subsidize it. They were willing and next thing the men had to go to Kapuka.” “What about Gore?” asked Councillor W. M. Norman.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter,” said Councillor G. W. Whittingham.