Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-09-16
Bible Thought for Today
THE ROAD CONVENTION.

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THE first annual convention Of
1 the Alberta-M ontana Highway
association was a civic gathering
which was decidedly inspiring. 1t
was first of all a meeting of good
fellowship and within the confines
of this wholesome sentiment, there
was worked out a practical plan.
There was entire agreement as to
the details of the effort that will
be put forth and as to the results
which it is hoped may be obtained.
The ultimate construction OF an
all year ~gravelled road from Butte
to Lethbridge as a civic and busi-
ness and economic proposition pos
sesses all of the elements which
should command united popular
support just so far as this work
can be done in a reasonable way.
Three things came out striklngly
in the discussion of the convention.
First, the trade relations between
the towns upon the road will be
built up immensely by the accom-
plishments that this association is
aiming to bring about. CONNER
cial travelling men are taking a de-
cided interest at the start. They
see it's utility at once. Second, it
will largely build up the summer
travel. The people of Montana
can get up into the wonderful play
grounds of the Canadian Rockies.
It will enable the people of Leth-
bridge and Calgary and all of that
northern country to ON down and
enjoy Glacier and Yellowstone
parks and other beautiful places in
u own state. Third, the great
oil field in northern Montana is
demanding a thoroughfare which
can be covered quickly, with great
saving in time and tires and gaso-
line.
AS it was brought out In the con
vention, the first thing is to get all
of this road placed upon the pri-
mary construction system for the
state of Montana so that as fast as
may be possible, it will become
susceptible of federal aid. After
that, surveys must be made so that
the line may be shortened as much
as possible when the ultimate high
way is built.
Speaking generally as we 60 to
the south, The Tribune has no
doubt but that the ultimate road to
Helena will be through the Mis-
souri, river canyon. We do not
know when this construction can
be done. In the meantime, avail
able highways must be put in the
best shape possible for use. There
is already quite an acceptable road
from Helena to Butte. This must
be improved. Going north from
Great Falls, the distance to Con
rad is perhaps u miles; from Con
rad to Shelby, about 80 miles; from
Shelby to the boundary, about IS
miles; from the boundary to Leth'
bridge, 80 miles; a total of 22C
miles. 1t has been estimated by
the good roads committee OF the
Great Falls Commercial club,
through actual examination, that
ten miles can be saved between
Great Falls and Conrad; perhaps
fous or five miles from Conrad to
Shelby; perhaps five miles from
Shelby to S~weetgrass and consider
able saving of mileage on the 9th,
er side of the boundary and on tc
Lethbridge. 1t is figured, then,
that the distance from Great Falls
to Lethbridge a be reduced to al
least 200 miles and possibly to 100
miles. With a reasonable road, this
will be an easy eight hour journey
With a gravelled road, the time
would be reduced to seven hours
Following surveys, it will per
haps not be possible to get much il
any federal construction next year
The reason for this is that we can.
not expect county bond issues
whereby money may be matched ur
against federal funds for some time
to come. Miscellaneous work If
bad places and systematic dragging
will probably constitute the princi
pal accomplishment for 1923.
Right here, of course, is encoun
tered the chief immediate diff
Guilty that the officials of the AL
berta-M Montana Highway associa
ton have to face. We do not know
in this state now how we are go
ing to make provision to match w
the federal aid funds that will bs
available for next year. This is Z
problem for the Montana legisla