TRIPS TO WANGANUI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 538, 15 December 1928, Page 7

TRIPS TO WANGANUI

CARS TO CONNECT WITH BOATS LOSS OF TOURISTS FEARED (From Our Own Correspondent) TAUMARUNUI, Friday. Grave fears are entertained in Taumarunui that, owing to the imminent cessation of the Wanganui River Boat service between the houseboat and the town, the tourist traffic will be lost to the borough. Several local hotels have been advised that Cook’s tickets for the river trip have been cancelled. A strong deputation, headed by the Mayor, Mr. G. E. Manson, and representing the various interests most directly concerned, waited on the new Public Works Engineer, Mr. G. W. Albertson, and impressed the urgency of the position upon him, with a view to having the River Road from Taumarunui to the houseboat made suitable for motor traffic as soon as possible. The speakers were Mr. Manson, Mr. J. A.- Gordon, Mr. A. S. Laird and Mr. J. R. Powell, the latter representing the Wanganui River settlers, to whom the matter is of paramount importance. The point was stressed that the work should be undertaken by the Government, as it is of national importance, and the settlers are already so heavily-burdened with rates that they could not be expected to do anything. Mr. Albertson explained that the Highways Board controlled the matter, but if it could raise the necessary money for the work, about £16,000, the completion of the road could not be made in one season. However, he gave the deputation an assurance that the worst portions of the road would be metalled this season, and that probably the work would be commenced after the New Year. This decision means that the tourist traffic from Taumarunui can be maintained by motor to connect with the boats at the Houseboat.