VEHICULAR TERMINALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22805, 12 August 1937, Page 15

VEHICULAR TERMINALS

Sir, —The report oji the above, as submitted to the Harbour Board by Mr. Holderness, and published on August 4, makes interesting reading. I feel sure all motorists travelling; to and from the North will welcome any improvement on the very unsatisfactory conditions obtaining today. The Devonport route is quite out of date, quite unable to copewitli the ever-increasing traffic, and is expensive in time and money. It is not generally known that it is quicker to go via Northcote to the city, from Takapuna central, Milford and all the bays to Lone Bay, than via the present Devonport route, while there is a saving on the northern route of three and a-half to four miles by road between Glenfield and Northcote, plus the shorter water journey. Mr. Holderness says the Devonport route cannot be further improved! He_ also admits that an improvement is necessary in vehicular communication, but, while ho suggests a landing stage at Little Shoal Bay, he says the Harbour Board should have a guarantee from the Government that no bridge or tunnel shall be built for 20 years or more. Such a suggestion is quite unreasonable. Why should the long-suf-fering motoring public be asked to wait for another six or more years for already overdue improvements? Why not put another floating stage alongside the one already in use at Northcote, and have two boats running a half-hourly service there. The Highways Board could then put the Sunny Brae and Chivalry Roads leading off the Northcote-Takapuna Road in proper repair, thus giving a much shorter and more direct route north and relieving tlio congestion at Devonport. The road improvements would be of lasting value, should a bridge be built at any time. _lf the Harbour Board and the Highways Board would get together at once these temporary improvements could be effected by the end of the year, when the peak ioads have to be carried. W.G.T.