NORTHERN ROADS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22475, 20 July 1936, Page 12

NORTHERN ROADS

OFFICER'S BEPORT NEGLECT IN SOME PARTS WEST COAST IMPROVEMENT The very comfortable travelling afforded by tlie highways on tho west coast of the North Auckland Peninsula was tho subject of comment by tho touring manager of the Automobile Association (Auckland), who returned at the week-end from an inspection of the northern districts. In view of the very great interest being displayed by southern motorists, it was encouraging to go North and find that at least a certain number of the local bodies were maintaining their roads in a manner which would convey a favourable impression to visitors from tho well roaded districts of the south, he said. It was, however, very disappointing to motor on tho east coast between Whangarei, Kawakawa and Kaikohe. Tho Mangakahia routo running up the centre of the island was in very bad order, and did not appear to be receiving the attention that even a back road would warrant. Evidence of Neglect An improvement in the roads from Maungaturoto to Oakleigh was roported, and the route onward to Whangarei was less pot-holed than previously. North of Whangarei, however, many complaints were received regarding the Kawakawa route and observations of the Maungatapere highway confirmed tho allegations of the Minister of Public Works, tho Hon. R. Semple, that the roads were being neglected. The scenic route through tlio Waipoua Kauri Forest was being widened, and although there was a certain amount of slushy surface where the corners were being cut back, the improvements would add greatly to tho safety of tho road. Although portions of the other West Coast roads in the Hokianga, Hobson and Otamatea Counties were somewhat pot-holed, conditions on the whole indicated an appreciation of the requirements of modern traffic. .South of Wellsford, tho West Coast road via Kaukapakapa was in excellent order, and could be taken to reduce traffic over the construction works at Waiwera and Puhoi. Detour Recommended The heavy construction on the deviation and improvement work between Huapai and Waimauku 011 tho Helensville highway were found to be well advanced, but as the road surface was being levelled several feet, the new clay formation was not suitable for general motor traffic, and the detour on the Muriwai Beach road was preferable. On this detour, however, a portion of the road was of single car width only, and much trouble was being experienced by passing traffic. A more comfortable and shorter routo from the city, was the road from Birkenhead or Devonport through Albany, and thence along the White Hills roads to Kaukapakapa and Helensville.

Commenting generally on the tourist attractions of North Auckland, the touring manager said in his opinion North Auckland had a wonderful future, and the remarkable agricultural development which had taken place in recent years should give encouragement to those who were displaying such energy in endeavouring to promote the tourist interests of the area. The extension of the activities of the Tourist Department in regard to transport and accommodation m areas at present lacking proper facilities would do much to stimulate tourist development.