C.A.A. ROAD REPORT.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18265, 26 December 1924, Page 4

C.A.A. ROAD REPORT.

Arrangements have been made with Mr J. S. Hawkes. organis-ing-seeretary of the Canterbury Automobile Association (C.A.C.), for the publication in these columns of a weekly report on road conditions. Eeliablc information is also obtained weekly from other sources. Mt. Cook.—The road to Mt. Cook presents no difficulties. To Oxford.—The best route to Oxford is the old Tramway road, between Swnnnanoa, Eyreton, and the Main road. Turn off at Clarkville, and turn to the right before reaching Cherry's road, taking the first signposted road after leaving Bennett 'a Junction.

Cheviot to Nelson. —A large number of motorists going to Nelson lose their way at Cheviot. The right direction, after passing the township of Cheviot is to the right and up the hill.

North Road. —The Main road north to Waiau is in really good order, with the exception of that portion from Kaiapoi to Leithfield.

Hanmer. —There is a good road right on to Hanmer.

Ashburton.—All the subsidiary roads in the Ashburton County are in good order.

Little River Roadr—Road very fair.

Peninsula.—The road to Duvauchelle ia in splendid order.

Rangiora.—The approach to Rangiora from Southbroolc is rough, with much loose metal on the road.

Main South Road.—Church corner to Weedons is very good. Weedons to Burnhani fair; Burnham for about two miles is fair, but for the next two miles there are a good many pot holes. For about one and a-half miles to the river the road is fairly good. The Selwyn ford approach is much improved, and the crossing good. On the west side of the Selwyn ford the road is rather rough for a short distance, then on to Dunsandel very fair. Dunsandel, for about two miles on, is very good; from there on to where the Main South road joins the old Main South road, is is fairly rough with pot boles and ruts, also a fair amount of large loose shingle. Thence on to Bankside it is very much better, with not so many pot holes. From Bankside to the Rakaia bridge the road has been much improved, but is rough in places. The deviation behind the plantation is good, but the water-races should be carefully negotiated. From Rakaia bridge a. short piece of road'is rough; although much improved. Once tho old metalled road is reached the road is very good right 011 to the Eangitata bridge.

Motorists should observe the speed limit through Ashburton, also over the Ashburton bridge. The limit is 15 miles an hour. The notice is obliterated and in bad order, but those exceeding this speed are still being prosecuted.

The Main road is now marked with a cream and black band in addition to the direction signs. Motorists will find these easy to follow. After the Rangitata bridge is crossed the bands are yellow and black, indicating the Main Toad right through to Invercargill.

The Main road is very good from the Rangitata to the Waitaki. From the AVaitaki into Oamaru there are a good many pot holes, which become more numerous nearing Oamaru.

From Oamaru to Palmerston the roads are excellent. From Palmerston into Dunedin they are bad with pot holes. Through Waikouaiti, over the railway and Mt. Cargill careful driving is necessal7- . .

To Hororata.— The direct route is in good order, but there is new metal on _the road from West Melton onwards. The main road to Windwhistle is covered with loose metal, but the ' Downs road, through Glenroy, is in good condition,

Springfield to Cass. —Several enquiries have been received by the C.A.A. as to the names of the rivers between Springfield and the Cass. The first is the Kowai, which is crossed three times. After passing Porter's Pass is the Porter. Then comes the White, in which there is a lot of water, but a hard bottom. There are three streams to ford at this 'river. Then there is the Thomas, Broken River, and thr Craigieburn, the fords of ail of which are in good order.

Kaikoura to Blenheim. —Tourists who take a detour to Ward for lunch should be careful on leaving Ward, if' taking the north deviation, 1o take the turn to the left over tlir railway. By going ahead they will find themselves in difficulties in a creek.