OKAU-OHURA ROAD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1934, Page 6

OKAU-OHURA ROAD.

The report published in the Daily News yesterday of roading projects and possibilities in the Ohura district shows that the needs of that fertile area are but gradually being satisfied. The assistance of the Taranaki and the Stratford Chambers of Commerce has borne some fruit, and it is satisfactory to note that the co-operation of town with rural interests in this direction has been appreciated by both. The most important element in the progress of any district is, of course, the determination of the settlers themselves, and there has been no lack of this quality in the Ohura districts. The special report upon the Okau-Ohura road was the outcome of an inquiry made by the Taranaki Automobile Association into the practicability of the use of that road, at least during the summer months. At present that cannot be claimed, though with a comparatively small expenditure the road might be made suitable for motor traffic in dry weather. There is no question about the importance of the road. It would shorten the journey by road from Ohura to New Plymouth by 30 miles, it would open up settlement areas now held back by lack of metalled access, and it would add picturesque scenery to the tourist attractions of the Dominion, At the Ohura end of the road 13 miles has been metalled, and 4| miles from the Okau junction. There remains a little over 15 miles to be metalled, and on the route the road traverses there are settlers who have been without all-the-year access for a quarter of a century. There is every reason to urge that the Okau Road be metalled right through. To spend money putting it in order for summer traffic will not be wholly satisfactory, as the next storm may undo all the work carried out, while it is in the winter that the heavy cartage of fertilisers and other farm requirements is mostly in evidence. The settlers have shown by their courage during the long years of poor access facilities that they are not to be daunted easily. The Okau Road is the natural outlet for Ohura to the sea coast, and there is no doubt that if the road is metalled and made fit for all classes of traffic an increase in settlement and productivity will follow.