ROAD ROUTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 145, 21 June 1934, Page 9

ROAD ROUTES.

A .A. SURVEY.

HIGHWAYS BLOCKED. THROUGH TRAFFIC AFFECTED A comprehensive report issued by the A.A. covering the province, shows how widespread are the results of the recent heavy rains. The report tells of almost universal flooding. The results of the storm experienced in the Rotorua district arc now being felt through the Bay of Plenty, where the majortiy of the rivers have overflowed their banks and submerged the low lying country. Practically all the main roads are inipassable, and although in numerous instances detours arc available, through communication is temporarily disconnected. A slip which came down in the Waimana Gorge between 'J'aneatua and Opotiki has blocked that highway. The main highway between Hamilton and Rotorua was obstructed by a slip this morning, but this has cleared sufficiently to Jillow traffic through before mid-day. In the Far North the DargavillcWhaiigarei highway is still under water, although traflic is passing through the Houtu detour. The Whakapara flats, on the Kawakawa road, were nlso under water this morning, and at mid-day heavy rain was falling in Whangarei. traffic on tHo main highway from Auckland to Whangarei was resumed late yesterday afternoon, although there was quite an amount of trouble in the hours of darkness with vehicles negotiating the wet, slippery track, which had been cleared over the slip in the Dome Valley. However, work to-day has remedied the position. The other floods in the lower North have practij caily subsided as far as the main roads are concerned, although there was still water at Iloteo this morning.

I In the King Country there was an improvement between Otorohanga and | le Kuiti overnight, and traffic was once more using the main highway this morning. The main New Plymouth highway between Te Kuiti and Piopio is impassable, and the Te Mi para detour is also under water, necessitating traflic being diverted along Troopers Road. The water was still rising at noon. The obstruction on the Tauinarunui Road, which was expected to be cleared to-day, is still giving trouble, although it is anticipated this will be remedied during 'the afternoon.

Many slips have occurred in the hilly country throughout the Rotorua district. particularly around the lakes and on the Whakatane Road. At 10 o'clock this morning the weather at Taumarui|ui was hriglit and clear, and there was every indication of the roads in this district rapidly becoming normal.