ROAD CONDITIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12283, 31 October 1925, Page 18

ROAD CONDITIONS

IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE A DEPLORABLE THOROUGHFARE. Undoubtedly the worst road in Wellington at the present time is that from Courtenay place to the entrance to Evans Bay. The Tramway Department is in possession for the major portion of the distance, and the road has been allowed to get into a deplorable condition. Further an street widening, on the is in progress, and motorists are advised to give the thoroughfare as wide a berth as possible. Why the council deems it advisable to let the road round Oriental Bay get into the state it is in is incomprehensible. From an economic point of view, irrespective of the fact that the intention is to lay down a bitumen thoroughfare, the absolute destroyal of the macadam formation does not itself to a man iwho claims any pretence to business ability. Local body methods, however, are seldom those of private concerns, where it is essential to make ends meet or go out of business, and no doubt that accounts for the way many works are undertaken which does not appeal logical to the lay mind. Considering the unusual wet winter and spring the road from Wellington to Wanganui is in excellent condition. There is a big improvement in the Ngahauranga Gorge to what it was a few months ago, and. probably the worst 6tretoh on the, journey is between.Tawa Flat and Pareraatal On the other side of the Paekakariki hill portions of the road between Mackay's crossing and Otaki were very unpleasant to travel over, but here again good work has been accomplished and the bad spots are fewer and further between. > Although it is hilly and undulating motorists travelling to Palmerston North will find the surface of the road via Shannon in good condition, while that from Foxton to Palmerston is exceedingly rough. The run from Foxton to Sanson is quite a good one, the corrugations which were so much in evidence having been removed. From there on to Wanganui a considerable amount of money has been expended on the road by the various local bodies, and when one. remembers the pits that had to be negotiated in the vicinity of Turakina in the early winter the present surface is appreciated. Coming nearer home the work that is. in progress on the Day's Bay road, and that already accomplished, gives one a fair idea of what to expect when the job is complete. The removal of the sharp corners, widening of the narrow portions, and the laying of a bitumen surface will undoubtedly make the drive round the shores of the harbour on ideal one and a great asset to the city. -