WIDENING OF NORTH ROAD

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1931, Page 9

WIDENING OF NORTH ROAD

SAFE FOR ORDINARY DRIVING

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPINION.

MANGAROA-TONGAPORUTU ROAD.

'REPORT ON PROGRESS OF WORK.

The reply of Mr. F. W. Furkert (chrirman of the Highways Board), previously- published, to a communication from the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce drawing attention to the need for rounding dangerous corners and widening narrow portions of the main north road from New Plymouth to Auckland, was discussed at a meeting of the council of the chamber last night. Mr. Furkert stated in a letter that the Main Highways Board had no proposal for undertaking any comprehensive widening and reconstruction schenie between' Te Kuiti and Mahoenui. . .The president (Mr. L. M. ,Moss) said that since the chamber’s letter was written a great deal of work had been done, apd that north of Awakino the road was. in gooff order. Mr. A. F. Sandford pointed out that north of Uruti a winding part of the road was breaking up. Mr. T. C. List said he thought the road had never been in better order, and with the exception of a few chains was quite safe for ordinary driving. The secretary was instructed to reply that the chamber noted with pleasure the work done during the past few months. The completion of the TongaporutuMangaroa Road was proceeding slowly, said Mr.. F, Hagenson, secretary of the Waitaanga Progressive League, in a letter. There were nine men on three contracts, and seven putting in culverts and clearing slips. There remained only one contract to be let, but it looked as though the Public Works Department intended letting this work suffice. It was as good as and better than some of the newly formed portion. The road was passable .for cars, and would be as long as the weather held, but it was rough. On the . Clifton County end the formation was being, made to Highway Board standard. The same was being done at first in Ohura County, but after that it became-a “go as you please” style of formation in Ohura County. At the present rate of progress it did not appear as though the work in hand would be completed before the wet weather set

m. The chamber decided to thank Mr. Hagenson for his letter and to ask him to keep the council advised of the progress made in the work. The secretary was instructed to write to the Department of Public Works asking that something be done to meet the requests of the settlers on the Waitara Valley Road for a metalled road.