GREAT SOUTH ROAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 9

GREAT SOUTH ROAD

GOVERNMENT APATHY MOTORISTS COMPLAIN The tour last week-end of 500 miles conducted by members of the Auck:ahd Automobile Association over the Great South Road and as far a§ the heart of the Urewera has convinced them that no portion of the whole distance is so bad as that piece of road between Papakura and Papatoetoe. The trip included the drive over the Mamaku Bush Road which has been soaked by three days’ rain. It was stated to-day that credit must be given the various local bodies for the expedition being shown to get the concrete down for the winter to ensure a hard surface. In the meantime, however, the road along the sides of the concrete is said to be in a deplorable state, and to an inexperienced driver exceedingly dangerous. In several instances the shoulders have not been erected on the concrete, leaving a drop of over two feet in cases. When this occurs on curves a real danger is presented at night. The fact that the portion of the road controlled by the Manurewa Town Board on which a toll is being levied is in good order proves that with the proper expenditure it is possible to keep the other roads in order. The Auckland Automobile Association has sent two telegrams to the Prime Minister, one to the Minister of Public Works and one to the chairman of the Main Highways Board, but it has received replies only from the Prime Minister who states that he will discuss the matter with his colleagues. In these communications the Association pointed out the necessity of levying tolls, and protesting against the condition of the roads. The latter aspect of the matter is considered to be a breach of faith on the part of the Government as when the highways scheme was brought forward toll gates were abolished and understood that by paying an annual tax this would be their contribution towards road construction. This meant that they had now to pay two taxes and if the matter was allowed to go on it might mean the payment of any number of taxes. The Roads Committee of the A.A.A. will meet to-morrow to consider the advisability of holding a public meeting as a protest against the apathy of the Government in the matter.