THE MAIN NORTH ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18584, 17 December 1923, Page 8

THE MAIN NORTH ROAD.

The condition of the main North Road near the city (positively shocking. From Avondale onward for a mile or so, it bankrupts description, and further on there are frequent 1 portions that make motor travel exceedingly unpleasant. During the dry weeks that have been recently experienced it has been possible to use, in preference to the rough centre formation, beyond New Lynn many stretches of smooth, unmetalled clay running alongside the formed road or allowing of short detours. But these byways are onjy summer, conveniences, whose value vanishes with a few hours' rain; and even in summer they become intolerably dusty. The portion near Avondale would match anything in the provincial district for shameful disrepair. Within eight of the Avondale post office are sticks of dead scrub standing upright in the road, to warn unwary motorists of perils into which others have fallen, and from side to side the highway is a medley of deep potholes impossible to avoid. A year or so ago this piece of road had a little surface treatment with light materiala sheer waste considering the volume of traffic it has to carry. It. was as bad again in a month or two. It is but natural that the state of this road should have attracted bitter criticism from all and sundry, and especially cynical contempt from visitors from abroad. There are reasons why it should be one of the best roads in the provincial district. It is an arterial outlet from the city, without alternative save for short portions. It carries important suburban traffic. Beside the strictly utilitarian demand for it as a highway to and from a market town, it is of service for those seeking the beauties and pleasures of the Waitakere hills and the West Coast. It is the route to one of the finest golf courses in the Dominion. These things make imperative & a road allowing for fast and comfortable transit. Its present condition, it is reasonably stated, v deters very many from availing themselves of these pleasures. If further reason for the provision of a good road were required, it would be found in the location of the large public cemetery at Glen Eden. Respect for the dead, as well as consideration for the living, should have kept this road in repair. As it is, it is disgracefully unfit for funerals, let alone faster travel. For its condition, various excuses have been offered. The suggestion made of a conference of all the local bodies concerned prompts the hope that these will all be faced, and steps taken without delay to remove a serious reproach to the city and suburbs.