PROGRESS IN ROADING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19976, 19 June 1928, Page 9

PROGRESS IN ROADING.

MAMAKU IMPROVEMENTS. GOOD WORK IN METALLING. DOUBLE SHIFTS EMPLOYED. The touring manager of the Auckland Automobile Association, Mr. R. E. Chnmptaloup, who returned to Auckland last evening, reports that excellent work is being carried out by the Public Works Department on the Mamaku Hills portion of the Rotorua Road. Under the original contract for metalling, only about 3890 yds. of shingle were laid on the new deviation, and the older portions of the road degenerated and became almost impassable. The work, according to the contract, should have been completed on June 6, an average of 120 yds. of metal a day having been stipulated. In response to urgent I'epresentaticuis by the Automobile Association and the Rotorua-Mamaku Bush Committee, which donated £IOOO toward the work, the contract, after three months of operation, was terminated' by the Highways Board. On May 14 the Public Works Department started, and although only one month has elapsed, 3515 yds. of metal have been spread, and in addition a vast quantity of rhyolite rock lias been dumped into the bad sections, making the road reasonably passable preparatory to metal being laid. To carry out this programme night and day gangs have been necessary, the scene of operations after dark being illuminated by three large electric lights. In order to provide an all-weather surface only a narrow width has been metalled immediately, and this is now to be widened to the stipulated width. Mr. Champtaloup investigated a complaint made by motorists that lorrydrivers were holding the crown of the road. He states it is impossible for the heavily-loaded lorries to risk running to the side of the road where the metal is thin, as they run a serious danger of sinking in the soft soil underneath. He urges motorists to give way, and so extend every assistance for the next few weeks pending the widening of the metal strip. The recent wet weather has considerably delayed the work, as loads have to be restricted to save the road while only partially surfaced. However, cars a're crossing the hills in comparative comfort, without the use of chains, for the first time in winter since this important connection was first made a road.

CUTTING-BACK OF CORNERS. DANGERS ON RAGLAN ROAD. The Public Works Department is cutting back many of the sharp corners on the Raglan Road and warning notices have been erected between the 12 and 13mile pegs to warn traffic to. proceed slowly. In tipping the clay over the bank a certain amount must be spilled over the metal roadway. With wet weather the greasy surface is proving very treacherous, and several bad skids and narrow escapes on the part of fastmoving traffic are reported. The Auckland Automobile Association urges traffic to observe strictly the warning notices of the Public Works Department, as these conditions are expected to prevail after rain for some time. The work is being done in short sections, so that motor traffic may be inconvenienced as little as possible. . t '