NORTHERN HIGHWAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 33, 8 February 1929, Page 9

NORTHERN HIGHWAYS.

BOARD CONTINUES TOUR. REPLIES TO DEPUTATIONS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) KAIKOHE, Thursday. The Main Highways Board this morning left for Kaitaia. On their journey yesterday the members were met by ail the members of the Hokianga County Council, who made a number of requests, which the board promised to consider. Last evening deputations from the Kaikohe Town Board, the local Chamber of Commerce and the Mangakahia settlers waited on the board. Mr. C.uerin, chairman of the Town Board, referred to the portion of the WaimamakuOhaeawai main highway, which traverses the town. Proposals had been submitted to have the road tar-sealed and straightened and a new bridge built at the eastern end. The estimated cost was f.'HWO and he asked the board to subsidise expenditure by £o to £1. Mr. A. E. dull, chairman of the board, said they would not grant a £5 to £1 subsidy on the main road. If fresh proposals were submitted after consultation with the district engineer the board might be able to assist. Mr. T. Basset, representaing the settlers of the Awarua district, stressed the need of completing the work in the Mangakahia Gorge. There was onlv a matter of 2J miles, which included three bridges. They desired to have the road metalled this autumn. The road was their outlet to Kirikopuni station, where all their wool and other produce was sent for railing to Auckland. Mr. Jull pointed out that formation work on the road was in progress and the next year would be metalled. The worst places in the gorge would receive attention.

In regard to the Kaikohe-Omapere Road, Mr. Jull said it was expected to have a clay road through this summer, and further work carried out on it next year. In regard to the Kaikohe-Huehue Road its claims to be declared a secondary highway would be considered when next year's review took place. It was the intention to lay down one course of metal on the portion of the Teheke Road recently reformed.