HAMILTON MOTORISTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17704, 7 May 1929, Page 9

HAMILTON MOTORISTS.

Mr H. Toombs said the agency had been agitating on the same topic for the last five years and nothing had been done.

j Mr King said there was still a dead- ! lock between the W r aipa County Coun- | c jl and the Government over the quesj lion of subsidy. A Government en- ( gincer had stated that the Highways ! Board could get any number of local ! bodies to accept a £3 for £1 subsidy. While the two bodies were squabbling over the matter the motorists and the public generally were suffering. Mr King said he had been informed that the Government were going to prepare plans and estimates to show' the County Council how much the road would cost. In this way it was hoped the County Council would accept £3 Tor £l. Mr King thad suggested that the Government should construct the road and the queslion of w r ho should pay could be 'settled later. It was understood, however, that the Government could noi operate without financial assistance from the local body. It seemed to be essential that one governing body should he responsible for all roads.

“Disgrace To All Concerned.” The need for stressing the present shocking condition of the highway was emphasised by Mr F. W. Luxford. To ieuve the road in its present state was a disgrace to all parties concerned and the Highways Board should take 'it over and charge the cost to the County Council as in the case of the Waikato County. Ur. A. G. Waddell said he had heard there was no chance of the Waipa County ratepayers sanctioning a loan but the council would be prepared to accept. £3 for £1 provided the road went right through to Te Awamutu. Mr Luxford: What have the Auckland Council done during the last two months ? Mr King replied that, efforts were still being made to induce the County ' Council to accept the subsidy olfer-

Mr Luxforcl said this had been done continually. if nothing else could be done the Highways Board should maintain the road. “Every time we bring this up some excuse or promise is made,” complained Mr Toombs. “The local members of Parliament should be approached.”

Delayed fiction Deplored. Members agreed that the Auckland Association had not urged I lie matter

| strongly enough. A conference of j parties should have been called within j two months. I Mf buxl'ord supported Mr Toombs' i suggestion and added that although the action oi' the agency in approach- • ing the members of Parliament might jbe interpreted as a slight to the I Auckland Council it could not be helpi ed. Auckland had not worried about j it. i Mr King: It gets back to the big 1 need—one controlling body. I Mr Luxford: That is so" but we do not want to cloud the issue regarding the Hamilton-Ngaruawahia road. I It was moved that in view of the deplorable condition of the Hamilton- ! Agaruawahia road the strongest possible representations be made to the Main Highways Board insisting upon Hie adequate maintenance of this important highway, and that the members for Hamilton, Raglan and Waikato be requested to assist in obtain-

I ing immediate action. I Mr Erson said it. was a curious ! thing that the awful condition of the road was not mentioned in the report of.the service officer who had visited the district recently. Tiie motion was carried unanimously.

Lights at Level Crossings. Mr King reported that a green lighl : at - <1 level crossing indicated to the I engine-driver that the line was clear. | It was not a signal .to the public as was thought prior to a recent prosecution. Jlc expressed the opinion that Hie displaying of signals was carelessly done. Mr Luxford thought the green light problem was of Dominion-wide concern. it would He more satisfactory if red lights, understood as signifying danger by Hie public, were universally adopted. It would lie .advisable to make representations to the Government through the North Island Motor Union. Dr Waddell stressed the point that red lights often meant ground signals and might he mistaken by the enginedrivers. Mr King said it would be difficult to change the whole system which had been in vogue since 1890. ,\ flickering light might he introduced. It was resolved to write to the Auckland Council and ask them if a recommendation to the North Island Motor Union could be formulated. The town clerk advised that the Borough Council was willing to agree to confer with members of the agency before adding to the facilities of the motor camp.

I Te Kuitl-Mangapehl Road. J Lengthy correspondence was rej ceived from Waitomo members of the ! Association and Mr J. G. Williams, i urging metalling of the Te KuitiI Mangapehi road. I Mr Williams attended in person and pointed out that the road must become a main highway. There were .'IOO people engaged in the milling industry in the valley and a decent connection with Te Kuili was required. Mr King reminded Mr Williams that the agency had to make the HamiitonNgaruawahia road the main consideration but it would take the matter up I afterwards. ! A letter from Messrs Ellis and Bur- | nand supported the motorists’ claims. It was decided to forward ihe letters to the Auckland Council endorsing the suggestion of the settlers j that the Te Kuiti-Mangapehi road he j pul in a passable condition. The question of providing cars for 1 Ihe South Island farmers' excursion j was referred to Mr F. 11. Clapham j and the secretary. I

ROAD AT NGARUAWAHIA. STILL BONE OF CONTENTION. IMMEDIATE ACTION URGED. The Hamilton agency of the Auckland Automobile Association met last evening, the president, Mr W. J. King, presiding. Also present were Messrs E. X. Valintine, E. R. Gresham, N. G. L. Erson, F. W. Luxford, A. L. Yule, H. Toombs, Drs A. G. Waddell and F. D. Pinfold and Mr J. Gilbert (secretary). A discussion on the subject of the Hamilton-Ngaruawahia road then followed.