ROAD TO WANGANUI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18342, 7 March 1923, Page 2 (Supplement)

ROAD TO WANGANUI.

ROUTE VIA RAETIHI.

Particularly from the standpoint of Raetihi and the great district lying to the north of it, on the eastern side of the Wanganui River, the Parapara Road leading to the town of Wanganui has the interest attaching to a main highway, and from a national point of view almost the same importance attaches to the route, for with the repair of the portion of tho mid-island road referred to and the bridging of the Rangitikei River at the Hawke's Bay boundary, it would render possible motor journeys to the National Park and Tokaanu, and also to Napier by the Taihape route. The distance from Raetihi to Wanganui is 60 miles, of which 43 miles from Wanganui northward have been metalled. The remaining 17 miles running in part through papa country, that is treacherous in wet weather, are unmetalled, and although motor-cars do the journey in dry weather, this section of the road places a bar upon tho route. The Waimarino county, however, has let a contract for metalling of about 3£ miles from the Wanganui county boundary, and this work will cover the worst stretch where the papa is of a "puggy" nature, and the road runs round bluffs. When completed motor traffic will be possible at any time, except during or immediately after heavy rain. Raetihi will benefit immensely by the establishment of reasonable means of communication with Wanganui, for a motor journey of about three hours will later take place of a railway trip, via Marton. From the point of view of tourists, the road would bring Wanganui within 3£ hours of the base of Ruapehu at Ohakune, permit them to leave Wanganui after noon and spend the night in the Ohakune Mountain hut, and be in readiness for the final ascent next morning, which would be of great boon, but unless the bad portion of the main road north of Horopito is attended to. they could not reach the Waimarino Road and the Whakapara huts. The Waimarino County Council, however, is now negotiating with the Public Works Department and the Prisons Department for assistance in putting a temporary bridge over the Sulphur Stream. The importance of this work cannot be overstressed, for it would open up a magnificent scenic route embracing the Makatoke Gorge, besides allowing ready access to the park and Taupo.