NORTHERN ROADS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21325, 28 October 1932, Page 14

NORTHERN ROADS

MAINTENANCE NEGLECT COMPLAINT BY MOTORISTS Adverse criticism of the condition of many of the North Auckland roads was made yesterday by the touring manager of the Auckland Automobile Association, Mr, R. E. Champtaloup, in a report to a special meeting of the association council. "I feel it my duty to draw the association's attention to what appears to me to be the utter disregard in certain districts of the convenience of road-users," Mr. Champtaloup reported. ''While many of the counties are maintaining a reasonable running surface, there are sections of the road which are deeply pot-holed and are in such a condition that I feel the Main Highways Board cannot be aware of the deterioration that has tak&n place. On my recent trip to North Auckland, I was met with complaints in every direction and the chauffeur who drove Madame Galli Curci to Whangarei informed me that this party was most critical in 4 its comparison of the conditions between Auckland and Whangarei and those in the southern districts. Judged by northern standards, I considered the AucklandWhangarei Road up to its usual standard, and except for- pot-holed conditions near Hoteo, and thf-'general rather rough travelling on the v. ,?st coast detour, I have no complaint, when the shortage of funds in the main highways accounts is taken into consideration." Mr. Champtaloup said that the road from the Whangarei borough boundary to Maungatapere was deeply pot-holed and was in a neglected condition. It called for urgent maintenance work. From Kawa. kawa northward, particularly close to Kawakawa, the surface was a disgrace to any modern roading authority. It was unreasonable to expect a main highway to bo left in such a condition. Elsewhere, roads were described as pot-holed. "It appears to me that most of the bad conditions on which I have reported are due to lack of money, as on adjacent roads a reasonably good surface is being maintained," Mr, Champtaloup said. "Right throughout, however, the general effect of reduced maintenance can be noticed, but there is evidence of a distinct effort to preserve the road surfaces. I am therefore forced to the conclusion that the bad conditions at present prevailing are due to one of the following:—Neglect, lack of appreciation of the requirements of pre-sent-day road-users, or failure to adopt up-to-date road maintenance methods. "1 suggest that unless conditions are promptly remedied, North Auckland as a whole will suffer a serious setback with the coming Christmas traffic. In view of tho very keen interest which is being displayed not only in the tourist attractions of North Auckland, but also in its. commercial and farming possibilities, 1 suggest that an urgent request bo made to the Main Highways Board to make the matter of investigation a very urgent one." It was decided to forward :i copy of the report to tho . Main Highways Board urging the investigation suggested. The council expressed the opinion that if the board could not obtain a definite assurance regarding improved maintenance, tho board should take over portions of the road and maintain them.