GREAT SOUTH ROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21278, 3 September 1932, Page 11

GREAT SOUTH ROAD

PAPAKURA TO BOMBAY CRITICISM OF SURFACE DIFFICULTIES FOR MOTORISTS The condition of the Great South Pond between Papakura and Bombay, with its uneven camber and its loose metal and pot-holed surface, is the subject of considerable criticism by tho travelling public. Although negotiations have been in progress for some months between the Main Highways Board and the Franklin County Council to have temporary improvements made, nothing has been done, apart from ordinary maintenance.

Mr. M. IT. Wynyard, motorists' representative on tho Main Highways Board, said yesterday that tlie board took up the matter of temporary improvements with the county council some four months ago, on account of the bad state of tho road, and the fact that thero might be a considerable delay before the permanent surfacing could bo commenced. It was suggested to the county that the singlo men's camp at Wright's deviation could well bo continued for the work, but the county would not consider tho proposal, as there were plenty of married unemployed in the area.

The board pointed out that if the local unemployed were engaged on the work under the No. 5 scheme, the usual subsidy from tho board could not bo granted, as the regulations forbade it. After its last meeting the board again wrote to tho county council, strossing the continued bad state of the road, and requesting that it shoukl.be given attention. The council's reply would bo received by the board at its next meeting on September 21.

"As far as the hoard is concerned, I think it would be willing to do the work on the ordinary basis, allowing the county a subsidy of £3 for £l," Mr. Wynyard said. "It is hoped, however, that at the next meeting of the board there will be received from the county council some scheme that will prove agreeable to both parties, so that the work can bo put in hand with aminimum of delay." At present the section of road under discussion is anything but pleasant to negotiate, particularly for a stranger. The dry weather has resulted in the surface being covered with thick dust, which is swirled into dense clouds by every passing vehicle. The surface is strewn with loose metal, in which skidding is likely to occur, and the pot-holed and uneven surface makes a good touring speed out of the question.