WAIMANA-WAIKAREMOANA ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 14

WAIMANA-WAIKAREMOANA ROAD.

Sir, —About eight years ago the Wai-mana-Waikaremoana Road was commenced from the Waimana end for the tourist route to Waikaremoana, a distance approximating 30 miles having been constructed and metalled during that time, the road mainly following the course of the Waimana River. I have been informed that the workmen on this road have received notice of dismissal as from the end of this month. It would appear that abandonment of this gloriouslypicturesque route has been decided on. If so, there is a national loss from all points of view. This road has been constructed, metalled and maintained for eight years and a large sum of money is therefore involved. Approximately 25 miles remains to be completed to reach the shores of Lake Waikareftioana. Why not complete this short distance to link the lake with the Bay of Plenty and Auckland ? The Waikaremoana-Rotorua Road route is now practically completed and the Waimana-Waikaremoana route would completely open the glorious Urewera bush country and also make an alternate route from the lake in the event of slips or wash-outs on the Rotorua route. The grade on the Waimana Road is really excellent approaching the Huiarau Range and it would appear that similar conditions would prevail on the descent from the Huiarau to the lake. Assuming any engineering difficulties in the construction of the complete route to the lake are causing the abandonment of the work, then why not connect the Waimana Road from its present terminal point with the Rotorua-Waikaremoana route, which could be done by a deviation to the right, which would consequently be a shorter route ? It would be a national shame to abandon the road in question and I trust the Public Works Department will reconsider the position and serve the country by creating and protecting such an asset. E. Lyon. Rotorua.