Bay of Plenty Times. MONDAY, JANUARY 18th., 1932. CAMERON ROAD.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10771, 18 January 1932, Page 2

Bay of Plenty Times. MONDAY, JANUARY 18th., 1932. CAMERON ROAD.

Even the casual observer will have noted that much good work lias been done, by the Borough Council lately in straightening up and reforming the sides of mapy of our streets. Much of the work of course would be better left undone unless it is properly completed by sowing grass seed and rolling. No doubt the Council is keeping this in mind and will finish off the work satisfactorily. As it is possible the Council may turn its attention to portions of Cameron Road the time is opportune to point out that nothing should he done in that direction without a thorough understanding as to the future lay-out of the road. Quite clearly it cannot remain for all time as it is. Older residents will recollect the controversies that have raged round this road. As far back as we arc able to trace it has been a source of protest and unrest. When the work was in the hands of the County Council, before the town was a borough, the Council was continually being urged to do something to it, and when tenders were called over fifty years ago for the formation of a footpath, it was quite an event in the town’s history. Coming to more recent times the treatment of the road has sharply divided public opinion. On one occasion a poll of ratepayers was taken on three proposals, viz., (1) Whether the trees should be planted in the

centre of the road; (2) at the sides; (3) no trees at all. By some strange

trick of perversity the third proposa

was carried. The poll, however, was quite an informal affair, and has not been accepted by successive councils as binding upon them. As a result trees have been planted, but unfortunately in the wrong position. A number of limes were planted some years ago, and nearly all of them

have made good progress—to their own undoing ultimately. For the most pari, however, the road is an

arid waste, with an indifferent roadway in Die centre, and patches of formed road at the sides wherever shops exist. Wo have only to go on long enough, as we have been (ending in the past few years, to arrive at the stage when we will have three narrow strips of formed roadway for the greater part of its length. It, is fully time that Die Council took stock of the position and faced it. At one time one of the warmest advocates for a centre road, leaving the sides to be planted and decorated, we have

to-day to confess to an entire change of opinion, owing to the very altered conditions, first by reason of Die re-

narkable development of motor traf-

fic, and secondly owing to the number of shops that have been opened along its length. These two factors point very definitely to Die conclusion

Dial it is only possible to meet the changed conditions by side roads. Motor traffic demands that it should be possible to draw up alongside Die

footpath, or as near it as is practicable. and there is also (he all-import-

ant i|iteration of getting to and from private- garages to he considered. These requirements can only be met by a road at each side, leaving the centre to be planted and improved. Cameron Koad as it should ultimately emerge, should be one of the most beautiful roads in the Dominion. The

centre roading has to conic up and two side roads have to go down, with a bicycle track on one side or the other, and (rocs planted in suitable places in the centre. We do not suggest that the expenditure necessary for this all important work can be faced at present, but we do seriously suggest, that a start can he made to lay the, foundation of what must be the future of this highway. The Council should give the mutter its earnest consideration, obtain the best expert opinion obtainable, decide upon a scheme, ami see that all future work undertaken shall conform to it. Without some definite objective. the present haphazard methods will continue, and the street will never be a. delight nor the convenience it should he. One of the first things to be ascertained is the chance of successfully moving the lime trees to what should he their permanent location, and the planting of others along the same line, so that when the work may- be finally completed, the trees may be well advanced. Seeing that money is being continually expended in the borough ta assist the unemployed, and there is every prospect that much more will have to be expended, it is well worth considering whether we could not raise an unemployment loan, which, supplemented by the assistance now being given, would make Cameron Road the crowning glory of an admittedly beautiful town.