NORTH AUCKLAND ROADS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12003, 27 June 1902, Page 7

NORTH AUCKLAND ROADS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sit, —It is gratifying to the Northern settlers (o see the loading citizens of, Auckland, represented by the Chamber of Commence, coming to the aid of the settlers. Mr. Monk, member for Waitemata, wisely remarked at the meeting eonveneu by the Clinrribcr of Commerce, that now was the time for those who wished to ascertain the real state of the roads in the North to take a trip. It would be a picnic! The Minister for Lands recently stated that the reason he had postponed his promised visit to the North was that the travelling at this time of the year was both difficult and pleasureless. Just so. That is frank and honest. But if it is .difficult for a Minister of the Crown, who is at the head of the Lands and Roads Department, with unlimited means at his disposal to pay expenses, etc., whnt about the settlers who arc* compelled to travel through the mud tracks one-half the year? I do wish the citizens of Auckland would arrange for a prospecting party to tour only a small portion of the main roads in Rodney County, arid I should like an Albortlander, who did three months' prospecting with me ill the early days of tho Thames Goldfiekls, Mr. .1. H. Witheford, M.H.R., to take charge of the party. Of course, billy those who can ride, and ride well, with good horses, must attempt the journey. Rodney County by-laws prohibit more than two horses to a sulky, hut the depth of mud Will be found more prohibitive than any bylaw the" Wisest of local bodies can enact. I suggest the following route: —Get the Minister for Railway,'? to give free passes by rail. Auckland to Kaukapakapa. The party could get as far as Mnkaratt by rail. On crossing the Makarau stream they would bo in Rodney. Rut they would miss the pleasure of travelling on the West Coast road. No: leave the train at Kaukapakapa, keen to the main road. After travelling, say, 20 inile's, call on .111 old pioneer settler, Mr. .'). Ciarcie'her. He will give further information. At Tauhoa turn fd the right, end three miles will take you to Kaipara Flntn. A further iiihe miles you will arrive at WrirkwPrfh. But don't take a passage by the s.s. Rose Casey hack to Auckland, visit those pleasant settlements, Mtitakaua, Omaha, and Pakiri. Tho settlers are . very hospitable and. you may need their hospitality and assistance. Before you reach Pakiri. or even Omaha, you will cry shame. The roads are a disgrace. The money wasted in useless, senseless, expensive cablegrams by Mr. Seddori, for his own glorification, had better far be spent on out' Northern roads.— am, etc.. Port Albert. June 21. Tho?:. A. CrBB.