ROADS IN NORTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24636, 15 July 1943, Page 2

ROADS IN NORTH

RAPID DETERIORATION ACTION BY STATE URGED PROTEST BY MOTORISTS Grave concern at the progressive deterioration of highways in North Auckland, and the failure of local bodies in the affected areas to carry out adequate maintenance, was expressed at a meeting of the co'uncil of the Automobile Association (Auckland) last night. The view was held that the existing organisation for highway maintenance had failed and was out of date. The time was coming when the council would have to a.sk for a more national system of control of the roads. With the exception of State highways, almost every road in the southern Hokiauga and western Bay of Islands areas was rough, had pot-holes and was frequently in a slushy state, said the touring manager, Mr. R. F. Champtaloup, in a report on a recent trip through North Auckland. The surface generally presented a neglected appearance. Many bitter complaints were heard, and he felt compelled to express the opinion that on the roads radiating from Kaikohe the controlling authorities had utterly failed in their duty to the public. Damage to Tyres "1 saw several tyres with the tread capable of thousands of miles of running," continued Mr. Champtaloup, "but with the carcase ruined by bruises sustained by contact with sharp, deep pot-holes. There appears to be a state of apathy." It was true that the inspection was made during and following a long wet spell, the results of which were apparent even on State highways. Local bodies had previously advised that they were not short of funds, and the Government had stated that men and equipment would lie made available to repair damage by Army vehicles. However, the conditions encountered were more general and widespread than formerly. It was not the Army's job to do road repair work, although they had repaired some sections. "Whole System Wrong" Mr. Champtaloup said the whole system was wrong. Motorists were not getting value for their money. The system was proving inadequate and the condition of secondary highways was falling. It would take years to reinstate them if they were not speedily repaired. The Main Highways Board had power to take over the maintenance of roads in cases where local bodies were neglecting their duty. The council decided to a.sk the Main Highways Board to act immediately, and adopted a recommendation expressing growing impatience at the apparent incompetence displayed in the maintenance of county highway surfaces in the district. Lengthy negotiations involving delay, pending possible action by local bodies, would now be regarded as abstention on the part of the board from its responsibility to road users.