NORTH OTAGO ROADS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26749, 19 April 1948, Page 9

NORTH OTAGO ROADS

Sir—l have read with interest and approval other letters dealing with, or rather with the lack of roads in North Otago. As a visitor from the Mackenzie County, I am completely shattered by the appalling state of these down-country roads. I have travelled in many directions from Oamaru and find them consistently bad, in parts positively dangerous. Deep holes and corrugations make it quite impossible to keep a small car on its track and a very real danger when passing other vehicles or taking curves. Because of the utmost concentration of the driver and state of tension as to their safety of the passengers, the attractions of your delightful country cannot be appreciated. Instead, North Otago becames a memory of bumps and swayings about. It is almost unnecesasry to mention what disastrous results these bumps have upon cars, or that it is most certain motorists will not return while existing conditions remain. Are the people taxed to keep these roads or is it the lack of taxes which results in such perfect “ switchbacks ”?—I am, etc.. Shaken.

Sir,—Had either of your two motoring correspondents been local residents they would have known what to expect when they deviated from the main highway while travelling in Waitaki County. Deep corrugations, dangerous potholes and treacherous ruts are normal features of very many roads in all parts of this county. To complain is useless for nothing can disturb the profound complacency of the Waitaki County Council. For many years the policy of this local body has been " Dolce far niente,” which means, according to one of their senior officials, “ Let the cockies squeal.”—l aip. etc., Waitaki Ratepayer.

Sir,—l quite endorse those letters in your paper regarding the roads around Kakanui. I have been a constant user of the South Island roads for the past 30 years, and these are the worst and most dangerous I have driven on. From Maheno to Kakanui, then the lime kiln road, Beach road, and the two others to the main highway are’dangerous to drive on. I would think it time an inspector was put on the county roads to try to keep them safe. Two farmers told me they were paying £3O in rates to drive on those potholes.—l am, etc., Safety.