THE MAMAKU HILLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19833, 31 December 1927, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE MAMAKU HILLS.

FUND FOR COMPLETION. A drive to raise £IOOO for the completion of the metalling of the Mainaku Bush Road is to be launched in Rotorua, This has been undertaken on account of a promise of a subsidy of £4 for £l. The work is estimated to cost £SOOO and residents of Rotorua apparently think that an all-weather road would be choftp at £IOOO from their own pockets. Tho completion of the road would certainly increase the motor traffic to Rotorua in tho winter and as a business proposition the £IOOO migh be well spent. Vital as tho work is, there is no reason why motorists should participate in the contribution. Through petrol taxes and licence fees the motorist will provide the .£4OOO subsidy which is offered and it would be bad policy for motor organisations to encourage drives of this nature. Wit.'a the large revenue now assured there should be no necessity for residents of such an important tourist centre to have to resort to a drive. Since tho agitation stai-ted over 25 years ago has not yet assured finality, it is perhaps no wonder that business people of Rotorua should make a definite move. Many of the contributors to the fund will be motorists who have become tired of railing their cars every time they leave their district during the winter, but it is a sorry reflection on our loading policy if the multiciplicity of taxes have to be augmented by taking the hat round.