COAST SCENIC ROUTE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18551, 10 November 1934, Page 4

COAST SCENIC ROUTE

DIFFICULT CEOSSINOS ADVICE TO MOTORISTS ROAD NOT RECOMMENDED Owing to the fact that two river crossings present many difficulties for the average motorist, the new scenic highway between Opotiki and Capo Runaway, via the coast, is not recommended to tourists for the present, and u is unlikely that, the road will be iri a satisfactory conditionvior several months. The Automobile Association's Gisborne patrol, Mr. A. A. Franklin, paid a visit of inspection to the Bay of Plenty coast this week to gain first-hand information as to the conditions obtaining. Mr. Franklin found that conditions on the Opotiki to Cape Runaway road have reverted to what they were two years ago, owing to the inadequacy of t tie low-level bridges over the Kereu ami Kaukokor-e rivers. The water in both these rivers has now found different channels, with the result that portions of both bridges aro now spanning the dry riverbeds, and the rivers themselves remain partially unbridged. The surface between Opotiki and Cape Runaway has been improved, especially at Maraeuni, and many fillings have been widened. Difficulties present themselves when the Keren River is reached, however. There portion of the stream has to be fordrni before the bridge is reached, and difficulty will. bo experienced at this crossing owing to the softness of the bod.

The fording of the Kereu and also the Raukokorc demands knowledge of local conditions, and strangers to the district are liable to be held’ up. Beyond Waihau Bay a culvert has been constructed to detour the Devil’s Elbow, and the filling should bo completed shortly. Whom this has been done there will bo an excellent allweather surface from Opotiki to Cape Runaway Post Office, but owing to the existence of the two semi-bridged rivers, motorists are advised hot to proceed beyond Te Kaha without making full inquiries from the Opotiki end. It is improbable that the contractor for the Kereu bridge extension will complete the work before the autumn. OHOPE BEACH ROAD. The A.A. patrol found the OpotikiWhakatane, via Ohope Beach, road to Be in quite good condition. The surface is of pumice, however, and is liable to cut up with heavy traffic in wet weather, but during the holiday period it should afford reasonably comfortabletravelling,. The road from Ohope Beach to Whakatane, via Killcrest, is veny steep and tortuous, and suitable places for passing are in- , frequent. However, it is hoped to have considerable improvements effected before Christmas.

The Main Highways Board and the Opotiki County' Council are collaborating in the replacement of the Matnkeripu Bridge where the JO/fiopo Beach road leaves the main GsotikiWhakatane highway.

The Waioelca road and the Motu Hills road are both in good condition, but motorists following the latter! route are advised to keep a' sharp lookout for travelling stock. In the ensej of cattle on this route, motorists arel advised to stop their cars on thd inside of the road when meeting mof)4 of cattle, and to refrain from movinJ the car, sounding the horn, or racina the engine until the cattle have passed! as many of the beasts are very timid! and are liable to stampede, with till probability of serious consequences ofl a road so winding and precipitous an! narrow as that between Motu anl Opotiki. fi

It is Mr. Franklin’s intention t pay another visit to the Bay of Plcnt at an early date, when further info mation • concerning the condition i the roads will be obtained for moto ists.