A SCENIC ROAD

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3800, 26 August 1936, Page 5

A SCENIC ROAD

TO TOP OF KAKEPUKU. CONFERENCE CONSIDERS PROPOSAL. Te Awamutu Borough Council, Waipa County Council, Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce and Te Awamutu Historical Society were represented at the conference convened by his ‘Worship the Mayor, Mr G. Spinley, to consider taking steps to have a roadway constructed to the top of Kakepuku, the cone-like miniature mountain to the south of Te Awamutu, famed in song and story from the earliest days of the Maori in New Zealand, and nowadays standing as a sentinel over some of the best farm lands in the whole of South Auckland. *

Those present were Messrs G. Spinley, J. W. Civil, H. C. Rainey, S. C. Macky, G. Gifford, G. S. Clarke, W. J. North, F. W. Bevin, A. Brown, W. Jeffery and D. Bockett. The Mayor presided.

The Mayor explained at the outset that he had been impressed with the possibilities of providing one of the most attractive scenic views in the whole province, at a relatively small cost The surrounding district is tremendously rich and its beauty is unexcelled. When visitors come to the district they do not get a really good conception of the scope, extent and resources of the neighbourhood of Te Awamutu. The Government had provided considerable sums of money for improving access to scenic resorts. notably near Auckland and in the South Island. A good motor road to the top of Kakepuku would, he was certain, attract many overseas tourists and Dominion motorists, and such visitors would be beneficial in a business sense to all the towns of the neighbourhood. He regretted that Otorohanga public and local bodies had not felt interested enough to attend the conference, for beyond Otorohanga were the Waitomo Caves, marvellous and unique, that attracted very many visitors. But if Kakepuku was also developed Otorohanga would benefit doubly. Mr W. Jeffery said the idea was a good one, on the face of it, especially in view ot Hamilton's interest in developing attractions for tourists. To a question as to ways and means, Mr Spinley said he had not considered that aspect in detail, but mentioned that he had had in mind seeking a Government subsidy. Mr J. W. Civil produced a large scale map of the locality, and Said the top of Kakepuku is 1487 feet above sea level. The road round the mountain is 8 miles 25 chains, and at its highest point is 200 ft above sea level, leaving 1287 feet to climb to the summit. The peak is about 5J miles from Te Awamutu, and from the highest point of the road a rough survey, with a fair average grade of one in fifteen, would need a road of three miles 53 chains. He had not taken out an estimate of the cost of such a road, but believed good metal would be obtainable while the road is being made. There would be no real engineering difficulties. To a suggestion by Mr Macky that it may be preferable to concentrate on a road to the top of Pirongia, Mr ■Civil said he considered a better view of the countryside would be obtained from Kakepuku, for a road winding round to the summit would afford a continuous and ever changing view of beautiful country, and over a very wide horizon. Pirongia does not give such an unobstructed view, though

possibly from one outlook near the top a view of the Tasman Sea could be obtained. True, a road to Pirongia would probably appeal more to the people of Hamilton and that neighbourhood, who know little or nothing of Kakepuku. Mr Gifford said there is charming native bush in the crater of Kakepuku, and the summit gives a remarkable view of Hamilton, Cambridge and many towns and townships, besides all the famous battlefields, pas and settlements on both sides of the “aukati” line dividing the King Country from the Waikato. On the slopes and in the crater are remains of the old native fortifications, well worth preserving. If aviation develops at its present rate, beacons would, before many years, be erected on vantage points, and one on Kakepuku would be a real beacon to be seen from a great distance away. He was firmly convinced Kakepuku has many advantages over Pirongia. He had climbed both, and spoke with a full knowledge. Mr G. S. Clarke • said it was very desirable to have one obective. It was no use advocating Kakepuku if a section preferred Pirongia. Mr A. Brown discounted any proposal for a road to the top of Pirongia, which is the watershed for the Te Awamutu municipal water supply, and possibly its streams would also be tapped for Hamilton borough. He beared that by popularising Pirongia the streams may become contaminated. It was suggested that the total cost 01 the road, fencing, etc., may be £lO,OOO. That, of course, was only a rough estimate. An engineering survey might appreciably lessen that estimate. As to a possible Government subsidy, the chairman said any Government would want a great deal more data before it could consider such a proposition. It was suggested that the Minister of Public Works might be induced to send one of his engineers to inspect and report. This has been done in Other places. To a question, Mr Civil said the Waipa County Council has a very extensive scheme of road works in hand and therefore he could not undertake such a survey—much as he would like the task, for he felt certain a good grade could be obtained. For years he had had in mind the possibility of a road being made to the top of Kakepuku. The scale plan \was carefully inspected, and Crown, Native and education reserves on some of the slopes were pointed out. Mr Clarke Suggested that all interested should make a visit of inspection before a decision is asked for. The present meeting was, of course, rot representative enough to warrant tabling a motion. Mr Gifford said he thought it undesirable for a road right to the top, for cars would be apt to damage the old fortifications. Perhaps cars could stop a few chains short of the summit To a question, Mr Civil said a two way road was very desirable. A road 16ft to 18ft wide was desirable; otherwise there would, with a narrower road, need to be a series of turnoffs at points along the route to let

cart pass. A narrow road would, of course, not cost anything like as much as a two-way'road. Mr Macky said he had never been to the top of Kakepuku, but still felt that Pirongia had greater attractions.

Mr Gifford urged Mr Macky to take the first opportunity to improve his knowledge. He added that from the top a very fine view could be obtained of the historic old Kopua country that is shortly to be developed by the Government, and he would also see the advantages of continuing Morgan’s Road over the Waipa river to shorten the route to Kawhia.

Mr Rainey said one of the first essentials was to get an engineering survey and an estimate ot the cost of the road. Mr Civil said with a road to the top motorists would see an everchanging scene—north, south, east and west —over a very wide expanse.

Mr Jeffery visualised Hamilton becoming a tourist centre, from which round trips would be made. Kakepuku summit would be only 40 minutes’ motor run from Hamilton. Surely such an attraction would appeal to Hamilton.

Mr Clarke said he personally was interested, but he could not agree to a suggestion that Kakepuku Riding should sponsor the undertaking. Mr Macky said the Waipa County could not be asked to provide a substantial share of the cost. The chairman said nothing had been said so far about how to provide the cost. But he felt sure there would be offers of support when the time came.

Mr Macky said probably £5O would 'je needed for an engineering survey. Where could that money be obtained? The chairman suggested that perhaps a toll gate could be arranged for on the proposed road, to help meet the cost. Such gates were in use on the Egmont Mountain Road, and he believed in other places also. , A general discussion ensued, and !hen the chairman suggested that perhaps the Waipa County and Te Awamutu Borough would provide the funds, or most of them, needed for an engineering survey. A flying survey would show what private property would be traversed. The investigation would be made as to possible compensation, etc. To a question, Mr Macky said it may be possible to permit Mr Civil to devote two or three days to making an inspection; but he has a lot ot important work in hand for the county at present and for some time to come. It was suggested that the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce might show a practical evidence of its desire to establish scenic attractions within easy distance of Hamilton. To Mr Gifford, Mr Civil said the distance from Te Awamutu post office to Metcalfe’s corner is 4 miles 53 chains, to the junction of Te MawhaiMountain Road 5 miles 35 chains, and to Kakepuku school 7 miles. The chairman agreed that not much could be done at present. He thanked Mr Ciivl for his information, and said he would make further inquiries before convening another conference.