ON THE ROADS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 39, 15 February 1929, Page 8

ON THE ROADS.

AUCKLAND CONDITIONS.

FAVOURABLE FOR MOTORISTS

A.A.A. WEEKLY REPORT,

The Auckland Automobile Association advised at 4 p.m. yesterday that road conditions were favourable on practically all of the clay routes with the exception of the North Auckland East Coast route between Waiwera and Wellsford, where reformation work is extensively being carried out. Weather conditions prevailing make the Northern territory vi* the West Coast to Wellsford easily negotiable, and members are advised to consult the information bureau re necessary detours and recommended routes, especially at Kumeu and Wellsford. Whangarei to Kawakawa.—The metalling between Akerama and Waiomio will not be completed for another few weeks, and the Ruapekapeka deviation still has to be used. Drivers can go as far as Akerama and then turn to the right over the Ruapekapeka route, which is only to be used by experienced drivers, as the road in places is steep, very narrow, and the bends, which are very sharp, require careful driving. Between Mangawai and the Gorge the road is rough, but the Gorge road has a good surface, although very narrow and winding, reducing speed down to 10 miles per hour for safety and *omfortable travelling. After passing Waipu Cove when going North, drivers are advised to keep to the lower road to Waipu, which now has a good formed surface, and a good touring speed can be maintained. Tar-sealing operations are being carried out between Mercer and Ohinewai at Huntly, and between Hamilton and Cambridge, and also in the Northern districts between Waipu and Whangarei.

Signs.—The association appeals to all motorists to observe direction warnings, especially where roads are under construction.

Paeroa-Thames Road.—This road is very rough to Hikutaia; the road generally improves on to Thames. The road shows signs of becoming corrugated in places, but a grader is at present working between Kopu and Omahu, and a good surface should be maintained.

King Country—All clay roads throughout the King Country, especially in the Ohnra district, are in good order, and motorists will experience no difficulty in negotiating the Tangarakau Gorge from Piopio to Stratford, providing the present fine weather continues. The association strongly advises members to carry chains, as most clay roads after a short period of rain 'become greasy, and in some cases almost impassable. The main highways that are metalled generally provide fair travelling at the present time, but motorists will still encounter bumpy conditions in some places where maintenance is not up to highway standard.