WAIKATO’S POOR ROADS.

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14583, 4 February 1921, Page 7

WAIKATO’S POOR ROADS.

(To the Editor.) Sir.—Having concluded a very pleasant holiibjy in Hamilton and surrounding dislrim, I feel constrained to make a few observations. I dingratulale you on the enormous progress since my last visit, seven years ago. Yofir town, with its fine buildings and beautiful display fronts, broad footpaths and wellformed streets, are indeed a credit, and reflects much on Hie acumen and foresight of your city fathers. The rural parts have become highly productive and tile adaptation of scientific methods hodes well for its eontfnuance. The thievish price of requisite fertilisers will have to be overcome, for much higher grade Iri-calciun phosphate should be obtainable at half the present price to guarantee continued prosperous production at a minimum cost. We have always understood in the South Island that the roads round Hamilton district were toad, and that roa i material was hard to get. The first part is quite correct, for I must say I never saw worse in my life. To ride through such a flourishing district with ils close settlement and high land values and to tie bumped and buffeltcd about like you arc is simply awful. I cannot help hut marvel at the intelligence of the local bodies controlling these roads; surely they can secure something better. They cannot plead shortness of money in this wealthy district. They should lie able (n gel good up-to-date road-making machinery, simplifying In,tli cost and maintenance, for a properly constructed road wears belter and reduces traction by probably onehalf, an important consideration to not only motorists, but also to all other users in Hie vicinity. Perhaps they plead lack of suitable metal or ils high cost—a poor argument, for the Waikato is particularly well supplied with stone second to none in New Zealand. Bight, at ils very door, in the hills between the Waikato and Raglan country, he absolutely inexhaustible deposits of hard basalt; it is found in Hie creekbeds, ami is indicated everywhere. It is most convenient for working, for it abuts right on to the river and can be punted one way or another for long distances; it overlooks the roads and railways; it is easy fo quarry, and fractures well in machines. With apparent great demand, suitable plant, capable management and efficient quarrying, it could lie produced with great economy, obviating the necessity of sending to outlandish districts for inferior stone. Thus would the blemish to your fine district be removed.—l am, etc., E. S. HUWLEY.