HIPANGO PARK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 288, 4 December 1929, Page 6

HIPANGO PARK

ROAD,ACCESS WANTED DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE’S MOVE The construction of road ac.ceas to Hipango Park, on the Wanganui River was discussed at the meeting of the Development League last mgnt. The chairman (Mr F. Webb-Jones) introduced the matter pointing out that at present the road was formed to within a few miles of the park and it would be a good thing for Wanganui if the remaining portion was constructed. It would hardly be right to ask the Waitotara County Council, or the Wanganui City Council, to contribute towards the cost. The fairest way would be to approach the Government direct. Only one bridge would be needed in the length. Mr F. Harkness said that when he was a member of the City Council tne Reserves Committee carried a resolution to improve the park, but that had never been done. When a park like that was presented to the citizens the least they could do was to keep it in repair and improve it. Mr C. Goldsbury asked whether the deeds had been handed over. He had been told that they had not and that uobodv knew who controlled the park. Mr F. Allen: It belong® to the City Council all right. “Thp road may be all right,” said Mr W 7 McElwain, “but the park i® bad. The river approach is deplorable. ” Mr F. Allen said that his property adjoined the park and it might be said that he had an axe to grind, but he believed that from the city’s point of view something should be done along the lines suggested by the chairman. There were 300 acres of bush in ® scenic reserve at the park, which, was 15 miles from Wanganui. He pointed out that so far as the WaitoMra County was concerned it would not regard the construction of new roads favourablv, because the cost of maintenance would be a charge on county rate® later on. The rate burden was too heavy as it was. In his own case he was rated for roads and had no road access to hi? property. ... Mr John Coull: Would it be possible to have a toll gate! Kir Allen; The Government would not permit it. It has taken tolls oft the river. Ho added that the Wanganui river road, on tho opposite bank, would be finished in March and the Government would be looking for suitable work for unemployed. He considered the suggested road to Hipango Park as suitable for that. On the motion of Mr W. Gilberd the League decided to write to the Minister of Puldic Works (Hon. E. A. Hansom) and solicit the support of the Hon. W. A. Veitch. Mr H. G. Dickie, M.P., the Wanganui City Council and Wanganui Automobile Association, to have the road formed.