DEVIATION PROPOSAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23400, 17 July 1939, Page 14

DEVIATION PROPOSAL

THE MAHOENUI SADDLE ROUTE IN TOTORO VALLEY [by telecrapii—own corresponpent] NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday The deviation of the Auckland-New Plymouth main highway to cut out the Mahoenui Saddle, between To Kniti and Awakino, long regarded as a "motorists' nightmare," is to be urged on the authorities by the Automobile Association (Taranaki). .Reviving the suggestion advanced some years ago by representative Taranaki organisations, the executive of the association lias decided to re-emphasise the advantages of the Totoro Valley route. This would leave the present highway at the Mahoenui School, strike inland to Aria and return thence to rejoin the main road at Piopio. "That would eliminate the saddle in favour of a level road only a few miles longer than the present hilly route." said Mr. W. T. Guild, president of the association, when commending the proposal. He described the saddle traverse as probably the worst niece of road between Auckland and Wellington. It is pointed out that, now that the Main Highways Board has adopted a standard width for highways, it would practically mean the construct ion of a new road if it were decided to adhere to the present route and improve the Mahoenui Saddle. The Totoro Valley route is considered' to hare great economic possibilities,, because it would open up an expanse of fertile country.