Reopening Of Scenic Road At Kauarapaoa Is Revived

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 June 1948, Page 7

Reopening Of Scenic Road At Kauarapaoa Is Revived

The possibility of the reopening of the Kauarapaoa Road, which leads from Raorikia through the Rangitatau watershed road and, previous to its blockage by slips in 1936, was a popular scenic drive, is to be investigated by the Waitotara County Council. The question was raised by a suggestion made recently that a surfaceman’s cot’age on the road should be removed to another area.

That the council should first of all ascertain whether there was any possibility of the road ever being opened was the opinion of Cr. Trott. He added that if there was no possibility of the road being opened, the cottage couic be removed. He suggested that inquiries should be made from the Public Works Department’ “I cannot see the Government being interested in the road unless it is pushed through regional planning,” said the chairman (Mr. W. McKee). It would not be a paying proposition io open the road, he added. Cr. G. W. Crafar said the road was previously a popular scenic attraction. He thought the Automobile Association (Wanganui) might be interested in the reopening of the road. He undertsood that the people in the area wanted to open the road and to close the top road. Opposing any move to remove the surfaceman’s cottage at present on the road, Cr. W. K. Ross suggested that the council should first of all secure the opinions of the ratepayers in the area. Recently settlers in the area were opposed to the removal ( of the cottagb. ‘The road has been closed since 1936,” said Cr. G. H. Trott.

“The cost of opening up this road would be very heavy," said the engineer (Mr. W. J. Gardiner). “It would almost equal, but not quite, the cost of a new road." He did not think the Public Works Department would entertain the Idea The road had been neglected for a long time, but a certain amount of work had been carried out by settlers. “I don’t think I will see the opening of the road in my time,” said Mr. Gardiner. The funds available to maintain the parts open now were insufficient.