HOLIDAY MOTORING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20767, 9 January 1931, Page 13

HOLIDAY MOTORING.

TOURS IN "THE PROVINCE.

MANY SOUTHERN VISITORS.

NORTHERN DISTRICTS POPULAR. The popularity of motor touring throughout the Dominion was clearly demonstrated during the Christmas and New Year holidays, when many hundreds of cars left the towns and cities on extended trips to different parts of the country. Since the close of the previous touring season new roads to places of interest had been opened, and in other districts improvements affording easier access and more comfortable travelling had been carried out.

The North Auckland Peninsula carried approximately five times as much traffic as in previous years, the improvements in roading conditions and the fine weather over Christmas making it possible for many motorists to visit the North. The opening of the new route to Russell also proved a great attraction, and Russell itself, for the first summer in history, saw motor traffic. The main volume of traffic was centred on the No. 1 Highway from Birkenhead to Warkworth. thence to Maungaturoto and either Whangarei or Dargaville. The Helensville Road, which last year was the recommended route, carried only light traffic this season, the majority of cars visiting the various coastal resorts. Christmas in particular saw the road comparatively deserted, but over the New Year traffic became much heavier, no doubt on account of many owners undertaking short trips.

Main Route South.

Traffic was particularly heavy on the Great South Road between Christmas and the New Year, a large number of visitors from the South arriving in Auckland, some to attend the races and others on their way to the northern districts. The volume of traffic slackened just before New Year and at this period was considerably lighter than last year. Even on January 2 traffic was still light, but last Sunday cars began to return and the road became very congested, this being the last day before business houses reopened. In the Bay ol Plenty and Thames Valley districts traffic was fairly heavy, particularly at Christmas. The Paeroa-Tau-ranga Road carried a large number of cars, and at Waihi Beach one morning there were over 300 cars. In thi3 district also, traffic decreased between Christmas and New Year, and it would appear that the majority of cars passed through on the way from Auckland, but returned by other routes. The Coromandel Peninsula was also a favourite resort.

Condition ol Hoads

Rotorua, Wairakei and Taupo were visited by hundreds of holiday-makers, who started to arrive during the weekend before Christmas. By December 22 the Rotorua district was becoming very busy and cars arrived in large numbers right through the New Year holidays. Reports from the Hamilton district indicate that there was a steady flow of traffic travelling in a southward direction, starting a few days before Christmas and culminating on Boxing Day. By December 27 southern motorists were passing north. Many of those familiar with the good permanent roads of the southern part of the island complained of the conditions encountered on the way north. While these roads were in better order than in previous years they still require considerable attention before they can compete with the first-class highways in the South. By the New Year the southern residents were beginning to pass through Hamilton on their way home. The Taupo-National Park route also proved very popular. The central portion of the island was visited by numerous motorists, who had already travelled on the east and west coast main highways and were searching for new routes and fresh scenery. Fewer Serious Accidents. A very pleasant feature of this season's touring was the decrease in the number of serious accidents, more particularly those concerning two vehicles. Although there was a number of minor collisions motorists now appear to be exercising more caution and observing the principle of "Safety First." Motor camping was even, more popular than previously. The many resorts throughout the Auckland Province were fairly crowded, and all along the highways tents were pitched in little out-of-the-way places. The majority of the camping grounds were well patronised and there was a record number at the Rotorua site. It is evident that those catering for motor camping will, in the near future, have to provide better facilities for cooking and improved drainage.