TARANAKI-MAIN TRUNK ROAD

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1931, Page 3

TARANAKI-MAIN TRUNK ROAD

“EXPENSE NOT WARRANTED.”

OPINION AT WHANGAMOMONA.

The connecting of the Main Trunk and Taranaki roading systems is now exercising the minds of the settlers on the Wanganui River, according to a letter received by the Whangamomona County Council yesterday from Mr. Bettjeman, chairman of the Mangapurua Valley roading committee. The letter stated that with the completion of the formation of the Mangapurua Valley Road in sight the committee had been investigating the proposed connection for some time. It was a matter which had the unanimous support of the settlers in the district. They expressed the opinion that the best route, and one which certainly could be most speedily and cheaply completed, was connecting the Mangapurua Valley Road where it touched the left bank o-f the Wanganui River at the Mangapurua landing, with the road from Whangamomona, which goes down to Spooner’s Bridge on the Whangamomona River. The Mangapurua landing was about 45 miles from Raetihi through the Ruatiti Valley, about 20 miles of which was already made to highway standard and metalled. From Whangamomona the road was formed for approximately 14 miles, 10 miles being metalled. The gap to be completed was six miles on the Raetihi side of the Wanganui River, which would be crossed near the Mangawaiiti stream at an excellent bridge site, the narrowest part of the whole .length of the river. Then it would connect with the present road at Spooner’s Bridge, entailing approximately seven miles. The total work would be 13 miles of road and the bridge.

It was considered that the road, would be made at a cost much below the average per mile for roading the river country. Tho six miles on the Raetihi side were practically flat. Support was asked to a request to the Minister of Public Works to have a survey and estimate made. Mr! Law said he did not think the council would be justified in asking for the road unless it was going to pass through country suitable for settlement.

Air. Newstroski said there was a block of about 40,000 acres of country somewhat similar to Whangamomona country. The road would bring the settlers closer to the railway.

Mr. Gower considered that the council , should support the proposal in the interests of neighbouring settlers. The chairman pointed out that the council would have to maintain the road. Mr. Roberton said that a bridge over the Wanganui River would cost £30,000 to £40,000 and ho doubted if that expenditure was warranted.

It was resolved to reply that the council did not think the expenditure would be justified in view of the present financial condition of the country. Mr. Ford remarked that the council should concentrate on giving .better access to the settlers now on the land.