MAIN NORTH ROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22465, 8 July 1936, Page 14

MAIN NORTH ROAD

CENTRAL ROUTE URGED KAIKOHE TO MAUNGATUROTO THE PROBLEM OF COST TRAFFIC AND DEVELOPMENT [BY TRT.T'.nHAPII —SIM'.CIAT, HI'.POIITKIt] DAIUJAVITiLE, Tuesday The advantages of a direct highway following tlio centre of the island as far as possible from Knikohe to Auckland wore advanced by il deputation from the liaikohe Town Board, which waited on tho Minister of Public. Works, Hon. 1?. Semplo, at Dargavillo to-day. The chairman of tho board, Mr. C. Cameron, said tho original intention was to construct tho national highway along a central route, but this had been abandoned and the main route was to swing toward the east coast, passing through Whangarci, whereas the interests of tho North called for a more contra 1 route. He asked that in order to keep more to the original idea the national highway should follow the present road from Kaikohe down the Mangakahia Valley to Maungatapero. From there a now road built to highway standard should be constructed via Waikiekie to Maungaturoto. This would involve -SO miles of new road, but tho distance between Kaikohe and Auckland would bo shortened by 20 miles. Helping to Open Land Mr. Cameron understood that tho present plan had been influenced by traffic tallies, but lie thought that some of these should bo eliminated, as with tho proposed road thore was no doubt that tho traffic would tako tho central routo. In tho interests of the North the shortest route should bo adopted, irrespective of whoso toes would be trodden on. The lit. Hon. J. G. Coates, who was present, supported the proposal and stressed the fact that such a road would help to open land that was not now served by existing highways. Public works officials travelling with the Minister said that the cost of the proposed 30 miles of road woidd be greatly in excess of £IOO,OOO, while to this would have to be added the cost of bringing portions of tho existing roads on the route up to highway standard. Serving Most People However, it was contended by tho deputation that this would eventually be offset by the saving and convenience to users of the road. Mr. Semple: What I want is to get the best service for the most people. It seems to be the common sense thing to have the road down the centre of the country, and we have to think of the developmental value of such a road. The question of cost had no doubt influenced the earlier decision, added the Minister, but if ho could see a way to meet the cost ho would prefer the central road. He promised to have the proposal investigated.