ACCESS TO RUSSELL

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 15

ACCESS TO RUSSELL

PREPARING FOR INVASION

Tiie final stages of construction worlf on the new road which will provide motor access to - Russell are Hearing completion,' and a good metalled highway -will be available for next sumnier's..touring. . ... The route leaves. Whangarei-Kawa? kawa - highway near' Whakapara, 14 miles north of Whangarei, and gradual-

ly ascends to higher levels, when the East Coast comes into view. The road passes close to tho shores of Helena Bay, Mokau, and Oakura Bay, beforS climbing' to tho top of the mountain spur. Although there is a rise of almost a thousand feet, good visibility and easy curvature are provided on moderate grades., Beautiful native bush is seen on all sides, and in the distance, the shimmering water, of the Bay, dotted with its innumerable islands, adds delight to the trip. On the Russell'side of tho spur there -are many points of early historic interest, tho residence of the first American Consul, ballast discharged from 6hipu in tho early trading days, the scene of several massacres and the waterways used-by the soldiers in the early fight' ing. " Russell is peculiarly situated, in that, in the year 1930, practically only one or two motor vehicles have penetrated to this beautiful resort. The safety of children and pedestrians will naturally cause concern with the first influx of motor traffic, and in order that provision should be made to enforce effective control, but without unduly hampering the tourist, the touring manager of the A.A.A. visited Russell last week and conferred with the Town Board. Signs are to be creeted, appealing to motorists and warning them whereunseen dangers exist. Certain restriction* are to bo imposed and traffic domes are to be constructed to provide safety on street corners, where visibility is obstructed. The Town Board is taking steps to provide a suitable canjping area. A section of tho local domain is to be prepared and temporary facilities erected, pending the provision of up-to-date camping arrangements. It is estimated that if fine weather prevails, there should be at least 100 cars parked in Russell over the Christmas period.