OTUKAI.

Northland Age, Volume 16, Issue 17, 16 January 1919, Page 3

OTUKAI.

[Own Correspondent)

THIS backblock settlement is now seen in all its beauty. It is a most pleasant walk from the main road. Here and there the tree-ferns, palms, and-bush garbage overhang the roadway affording a very picturesque display, indeed in places forming quite a natural archway. Little streamilets here and there afford a change of scenery, which as they trickle in and out amongst the rock, form little waterfalls, descending into valleys where the cattle and sheep refresh themselves. From Messrs H. Foster and T. Coulter’s farms a very beautiful view of the sea is afforded, whilst the healthy breezes of which blow over from the East and West Coasts. The aforementioned farmers with Mr. W. Hoskin have lately been repairing the road, this being found necessary in order that their wool might be carted with safety. The fact of local farmers having to be thus delayed in their work on account of the dangerous condition of the road, amply justifies Mr. H. Parker in his complaint to tlie AGE of the road conditions here. Indeed, a practical example of the danger is seen in the old broken cream cart lately abandoned, the wreck of which is still seen by the roadside near Mr. Metcalf’s farm. The driver failed to round the sharp corner quick enough, and was precipitated down the embankment. As to how many somersaults he turned it is difficult to say, but probably he ceased rolling on arrival at

the fence, which fortunately is not far down the embankment. Singular to tell the driver was very little hurt, and little if any cream was spilt. Your correspondent can well sympathize with those troubled on account of road conditions, for indeed, he is the driver’s “ companion in tribulation,” having himself once turned a somersault over the handlebars of his bike down the embankment, nearly opposite the Fairburn School, and on another occasion in order to avoid j -the deep mud, slush, afid mire of Duncan Road, by going through the partly cleared bush, was stranded on the hillside and lost for hours, to the great anxiety of people awaiting his arrival at a certain meeting. It is earnestly hoped that such roads will be repaired before any fatal accident takes place on them.