SWAMP ROAD TO THE WAIROA.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume I, Issue 66, 19 April 1873, Page 3

SWAMP ROAD TO THE WAIROA.

TO THB KDITOB. Sib,—There is one road being constructed in this district, that is, to the Wniroa and Thames, which merits public notice. The line of road is a good one, a great improvement on the old circuitous route, and a credit to our District Surveyor. The Constabulary are now at work (and 1 am sorry to see their labours so unassisted) on that part through the swamp where a little narrow embank* ment was formed this time last year, though Captain Turner and rho Civil Commissioner then tried their hardest to induce Mr Ormond to make it a reasonable width, but in vain. This production, in the shape of a bridle track, has been the source of amusement to all beholders, and richly deserves the most cutting satire. Very few men would have the hardihood to ride over it; one false step, and a horse would be bogged in the swamp. A road ten feet wide is now being made over the old construction, an improvement certainly 5 but as the sides sink it will soon narrow to a bridle track again. The width of the road cannot afterwards be increased—the effect would be the same as putting new cloth on an old garment—there would be a rer>t between the new and the old on the line where the fascines met in the centre. Tiffs road should have been half a chain wide at the base, the fascines laid continuously, so as to break joints, then the whole would, settle down compactly a* the Judea Road has done. The General Government have wisely built good wide bridges The road over swamp* should also be made full width at once, never mind how narrow the cuttings and aidlinga where the ground is solid. My reason for complaint is that, as soon a* this wretchedly constructed ro id is completed the expense of keeping it in repair will fall on the ratepayers, as baa been don© with the Judea cutting and embankment, and all our rates will be literally swamped in the two roads. Should there not be a strong protest from the people? And is it not the duty of the Taaranga District Highway Board to lay this matter before the General Government?—l am, &c., A Rksibkist.