THE ROAD TO MURIWAI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19958, 29 May 1928, Page 12

THE ROAD TO MURIWAI.

Sir,—Mr. Hill's contentions, (1) that my letter savours strongly of parochialism, (2) his objection to the SwansonVVest Coast Road route owing to railway crossing near Swanson, (3) that tho route proposed by Mr. Jonkers, although longer, is the only practicable one, may be briefly commented on and disposed of, because (1) the boot is on the other foot, (2) the railway would have to be crossed at Waitakere, a busier spot than that near Swanson, so where is the difference ? Futher, Mr. Hill must know that a deviation road is proposed to go under the railway bridge at Swanson, which will forever eliminate the railway crossing there and permit of motorists travelling to Muriwai without crossing the railway line at all, besides giving them a route eight miles shorter than the present one. On the other hancl the crossing at Waitakere must always remain, - (3) the route advocated by Mr. Hill is impracticable geographically and otherwise. The one from Taupaki is infinitely better. However, I still contend the only route worth consideration —and Mr. O'Neil bears me out—is the Swanson-West Coast Road, and in support of my contention and to save further arguments I hereby challenge the supporters of the other routes on the following conditions: It appears from newspaper reoorts that the Taupaki people have already an engineer engaged on the inspection of the route which thev claim to be the best for motorists to Muriwai. Let us engage the same engineer, whoever he may be, to inspect the two other routes, i.e., Swanson and Waitakere, and submit reports on all three routes. If his report favours either Taupaki or Waitakere as against the route I advocate I am to'pay his fees for the work on both Swanson and Waitakere routes. On the other hand if his report favours Swanson ronte against the other two they are to pay the fees for all his work. Motorist. Care of Herald Office.