EASTER TOURS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 74, 28 March 1931, Page 21

EASTER TOURS

NORTH ISLAND ROADS

WHERE CARE IS REQUIRED

The Wellington Automobile Association has issued a North Island road report for Easter tourers. With the exception of stretches mentioned hercunder holiday makers need have no uneasiness in regard to their choice of route. Waiouru to Tokaanu, 45 miles.—Not metalled. In reasonable order at the present time, but should bo avoided in the event of heavy rain. Hunterville to Tangiwai, via Turakkina, 39 miles.—There are some clay sections on this road which require chains in wet weather. No trouble should bo experienced in fine weather. Ooromandel Peninsula, —Tho Tapu-Coroglen-Mercury Bay route should be avoided in wot weather. At the present time although a little rough in places, it affords good scenery. Coromandel-Colville. —New devia-

tions and reeonstrufttion work are in progress and a little inconvenience may be experienced in wet weather. In regard to tlio north of Auckland inquiry regarding roads should be- made of the Auckland Automobilo Association in the event of the weather conditions not being good. With regard to the Hawkes Bay area so;mo roughness will naturally be anticipated owing to earthquake damage and restoration. From Napier to Gisboraie the route to be followed is: Proceed via Greenmcadows and Kis.sington, thence to Eskdale. Tiio diro'ct road via Eskdalo can be used, but there are deviations along the railway .line several chains in length and rail-way bridges have to bo crossed by means of planks. This section of tho road is rather tricky for an iuexperieneed \ driver, and will become impassable i.vfter heavy rain. Motorists wishing to visit Wairoa en route to Gisbomo twill need to retraco their steps to Aw?wnato, about three miles on the Napier side of Wairoa, to deviate over the raittway bridge, as the main traffic bridge'at Wairoa is down. See signpost. Carry chains as a safeguard in bad weilther. From ', Napier to Taihape, 99 miles, the road is in reasonable order, and once the '.earthquake area is left behind in tho vicinity of Napier, tho usual eonditkrajs ■ pertain. Carry chains in wet weather. The Witiiroa, Waikaremoana, Eotorua route, 15(1 miles, is now in reasonable order, but; owing to earthquake damage between Wairoa and Lake House a blockage may occur at any time. The first two liniles from Lake House to Aniwaniwa. •is metalled. The next portion, to Mrtkau, nine miles, being unmetalled, becomes very bad in wet weather, anvd drivers not accustomed to 'wet or greasy surface conditions are advised not to take thia route without first telephoning Lake House to,, ascertain the weather conditions. Two clear days o£\ fine weather is sufficient to insure a suit'c passage, although the road surface will prove rough owing to deep ruts. ' From Ruatahuna, tho road to Botonia is the visual pumice formation. Tikis routo needs careful driving, and is (not advisable for those unfamiliar with; narrow winding roads, steep drops, anvd hnmetalled surfaces. Not advisable iiti wot weather. Napier to Tavupo, 103 miles.—Tho direct road via SEskdale can be used, but there are donations along the railway line several 'chains in length, and railway bridges luvo to bo crossed by means of planks.' This section of the roa_d is rather trjick for an inexperienced driver, and will become impassable after heavy r.ain. The alternative route via Greemmjadows and Eissington to Te Pohue is reasonable, and although longer, is preferable. Carry chains in the event of wet weather. The balance of the ifoad from Te Pohue to Taupo is in quite1 reasonable order. Opotiki, Gisborne, 97 miles. —Surface of road good. Three unbridged streams. These will be rendered rather difficult after very continuous rain. The streams drop very quickly, and at this time of the year there should not be any inconvenience for more than a few hours at a time. In normal weather the streams are easily negotiable. An A.A.A. patrol will stand by in the event of wet weather. Gisborne to Hicks Bay;, 119 miles.— Metalled road. Ford between Hicks Bay and Te Araroa may give trouble after rain. Te Puke to Tauranga.--Koact under construction between Te Puke and Tauranga—chains will be required after rain.