Minister comes to see North Road

The Minister of Works, Mr. Allen, seems sympathetic to the suggestion that the North Road should become part of the State Highway system, and sealed as well.

“He was very interested,” said the chairman of the Mangonui County Council, Mr. M. Srhoj, after Mr. Allen’s brief inspection of part of the North Road on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m quite satisfied in my own mind that he will do all he possibly can for us.

“Mr. Allen is keen to see the North Road become a State Highway and sealed.”

Mr. Allen arrived at Kaitaia Aerodrome shortly before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, accompanied by Mr. V.F. Cracknell M.P. and the district civil engineer, Mr. R.R. Parsons.

After lunch with Mr Srhoj, the Mayor of Kaitaia, Mr. Bell, the county clerk, Mr. Mackintosh, county engineer Mr. Shapcott, and the Ministry of Works resident engineer, Mr. A. H. Buckland, at the Awanui Hotel, the Minister left to make his inspection.

Unfortunately the NAC plane was late and the party lost half an hour. It went as far as Houhora before turning back, for Mr. Allen had to go to Kaeo the same afternoon and be in Kaikohe that evening.

The road’s condition from the end of the seal to Houhora was described as “reasonable” by Mr. Srhoj. But he pointed out to the Minister how quickly its condition could change from safe one day to treacherous the next.

The difficulty in keeping the water tables clear was also explained.

Mr. Srhoj said Mr. Allen and members of the National Roads Board appeared to be ready to see the North Road sealed and part of the State Highway system. This would have to be a decision of the board, but they were all sympathetic.

The possibility of a further five-year programme will also be discussed by the board.

Mr. Srhoj pointed out to the Minister that the county council would prefer a steady programme rather than the odd grant for work here and there.

Mr. Allen asked if in five years the road would be sealed to Te Kao.

“As far as I’m concerned, it would be pretty poor if we didn’t,” Mr. Srhoj told him.

Mr. Allen apparently thought this was a bit much, but expressed satisfaction with progress made over the last three years.

“We did all we could to impress upon him the urgent need to seal the North Road,” said Mr. Srhoj.

“He gave the impression that he is genuinely interested and would do all he could.”

— February 7, 1969

Pleased with Mr Allen’s reactions