A NEGLECTED ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20842, 8 April 1931, Page 12

A NEGLECTED ROAD.

Sir,—May I inquire if tlio Matamaia County councillors, or their representative ever visit the outskirts of their district ? A journey over the track between Lichfield and the Matamaia County boundary; which forms n link in the Auckland-Taupo-Napier main road, would suggest the negative, as it is difficult to conceive that a main route should wilfully lie allowed to assume the characteristics of a flood-swept river bed in view of the present stat« of the labour market and highway taxation. The most recent attempt at formation work on this stretch affords a good example of excellent material wasted, ;md the lack of even elementary maintenance is resulting in serious deterioration of those portions which could legitimately be classed as roadway. Were this a byroad, or even competitive with our railways, one could perhaps grin and bear it, but in view of the fact that it passes through a well-settled district, is a portion of a main traffic route feeding the rail, and thereby earns some subsidy from highway funds. 0110 m;iy perhaps be permitted to ask, "Where are those funds expended ?" In closing, T should like to pay a tribute to the controlling authority and the workers responsible for the fine standard maintained on the Matainata boundary to Taupo portion of this route, and to suggest that a trip over this road at any time would be an education to the uneducated. j UD _