Torture Track Eliminated

The opening of the 4.2 miles Tarewa deviation last month completes the Wharerata highway, south of Gisborne, and removes the last of the tortuous old road. Motorists will now consider it a pleasure instead of an ordeal to drive over the new road.

This aerial photograph by Lloyd Cornish shows the wide new road cutting through the hills towards the southern towns of Morere and Nuhaka.

The arrows show the entrances of the new road. The old road winds away to the left of the picture.

Local and guest speakers were among the official party, which included Members of Parliament, Ministry of Works officials, representatives of the various construction companies involved, and local dignitaries.

All spoke in glowing terms of the way in which the various people concerned had worked to construct the highway, and overcome the many obstacles encountered.

Four of the speakers pictured below are, from left, Mr W. V. Clarke, chairman Cook County Council, Mr W. G. Nolan, chairman Wairoa County Council, Mrs Esme Tombleson, M.P. for Gisborne, and Mr P. B. Allen, Minister of Works.