THE WESTERN WATERFRONT ROAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 113, 14 May 1936, Page 6

THE WESTERN WATERFRONT ROAD.

With the completion of the special works to give extra employment, I am amazed that the most essential work in Auckland, the connecting of Harbour Street with Fanshawo Street, thereby completing the waterfront road circuit, is not oil the list. At the present time the only means of access to the city on the waterfront from the densely-populated western suburb is a dangerous set of steps, over eighty in number. They are a menace to life and limb and are practically impossible for elderly or nervous people. That a district which has contributed so largely rates and taxes and has been so long a part of the city should be so isolated, while on the eastern side districts that contribute nothing and some which have only been connected with the council of recent date should claim priority seems incomprehensible. There is a plan for grading Harbour Street from New Street, passing over a Har»/, bour Board property and joining up with, a viaduct taking an easy curve somewhere about the position of the present bridge and opening out direct into Fanshawc Street. This plan would not impair the riparian rights nor interfere with waterfront properties any more than the present inadequate structure does. As the only property that would have to bo wholly acquired belongs to the Harbour Board, and as the properties that would directly benefit through vehicular access belong to the Harbour Board, the co-operation of the board should be easy to obtain. Apart from the essential character of this work, it has many other features to commend it, the least of which is the proximity to homes of those who would be working on it. Instead of giving employment on works that entail long journeys to and fro, and which at present would be of doubtful benefit to the average ratepaver, here is a work that would be directly beneficial. JACOB'S LADDER.