ROADS OF THE NORTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 259, 1 November 1932, Page 14

ROADS OF THE NORTH.

SERIOUS DETERIORATON. POTHOLES AND BOUGH TRAVELLING. A.A.A. OFFICIAL'S CRITICISM. Disregard for the convenience of road nser3 in certain districts is mentioned in a report by the touring manager of the Auckland Automobile Association, presented at a special meeting of the executive. The report, a copy of which has been eent to the chairman of the Main Highways Board, states: —

While many of the counties are maintaining a reasonable running surface, there are sections of the road which are deeply potholed, and are in tiiich a condition that I feel the Main Highways Board cannot be aware of the deterioration that has taken place. On my recent trip to North Auckland I was met with complaints in every direction, and the chauffeur who drove Galli-Curei to Whangarei informed me that this party was most critical in its comparison of the conditions between Auckland and Whangarei and the southern districts. Judged by northern standards, I considered the AueklandWhangarei Road up to its ueual standard, and except for potholed conditions near Hoteo, and the general rough travelling on the West Coast detour, I have no complaint, when the shortage of funds in the Main Highways accounts is taken into consideration. North of Whangarei, I submit the following de-

tailed criticism, and suggest that the association consider what action ie necessary to protect road users and to insure' some more considerate treatment:—

Whangarei-Dargavflle. —From the tarsealing at the Whangarei borough boundary to Maungatapere the road is deeply potholed, and is in a thoroughly neglected condition and calls for urgent maintenance. On towards Dargaville better maintenance is provided, and the route- provides comfortable travelling. Whangarei-Kaikohe.—North of Maungatapere for some distance potholes are prevalent, and a better class of maintenance should be provided. Approaching Kaikohe conditions improve, and are reasonable. ■ . , .

Whangarei-Ohaeawai.—The conditions from vWkangarei to Kawakawa are on. the whole reasonable, and show that efforts are being made to maintain the road, With, the exception,..of the stretch between Whakapara and the southern end of the newly-constructed highway from Hukerenui. • This portion of the road Iβ very rough, and, pending reconstruction, better maintenance might be provided. From KaWakaWa northwards, particularly close , to Kawakawa, the surface is abominable, and is a disgrace to any modern reading authority. I suggest that it is unreasonable to expect a main highway to be left in such a condition. Uncomfortable conditions apply most of the way through to Ohaeawai, particularly near Moerewa r.nd between- Pakaraka and Ohaeawai. Ohaeawai - Ka'wene. —From Ohaeawai to Kaikohe the usual potholes are prevalent, but this section of the road is not quite as bad as I have found it at times. On the old White Hills section, a few milee west of Kaikohe, improve'd maintenance ia needed, but further west the conditions improve.

Ohaeawai-Kaitaia. —Further potholed conditions prevail from Ohaeawai to Okaihau. Better maintenance could reasonably be expected. Approaching Rangiahua there are a certain amount of potholes, particularly on the older section of the road. Improvements with vinemployed labour could with advantage be done in this district. Approaching Xlangamuka and on through the Manganiuka Gorge potholes are again appearing, and it appears that this road is not receiving the amount of maintenance required to keep it in proper condition. The hill section of the road might be termed fair.

"Waipu - Siaungaturoto. —The Waipu Gorge section of the road was recently the subject of urgent representations to the Minister of Public Works, and it is as present in reasonable order, but unless some immediate attention 5a given I am afraid potholes will shortly develop. I suggest that the Public Works representative at Whangarei be requested to supply information if there Is any finality of any negotiations between the county .and Ms Department. Oh the approach to the gorge on the Maungaturoto side potholes are now appearing, : and unless maintenance is occasionally carried out, conditions "will he uncomfortable.-

Dargaville-Maungaturoto. —Both the local bodies which are controlling this section of the highway appear to be making an effort to provide a reasonable road. lam making one or two requests to the Hobson County with regard to suggested improvements, and note that on the rougher sections of the Otamatea County portion of the road on either side of Ruawai that repaire have been nut in hand. •

It appears to me that ■ most of the bad conditions on which I have reported are not entirely due to lack of money, as on adjacent roads a reasonably good surface is being maintained. Right throughout, however, the general effect of Teduced maintenance can bs noticed, but there is evidence of a distinct effort to preserve the road, surfaces. I ai# therefore forced to the conclusion that the bad conditions at present prevailing are due to one of the following: Neglect, lac!' of appreciation of the requirements of jresent-day road users, or failure to adopt up-to-date road maintenance methods I suggest that, unless conditions are promptly remedied, North Auckland a3 a whole will suffer a sericiH sttback with the coming Chiistmas traffic, and in view of the very keen interest which is being displayed, not only in the tourist attractions of North Auckland, but also in its commercial and farming possibilities, that an urgent request be made to the Main Highways Board to make the matter of inveetigaI tion an urgent one.