MATAMATA HIGHWAYS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 225, 23 February 1928, Page 5

MATAMATA HIGHWAYS.

A TRANSFORMATION. Romance of Roading. “ Hoad work may seem very prosaic to you men when you are toiling and sweating under the broiling sun, but the work nevertheless has its romantic side.” This statement was made by a speaker at a smoke social at Matamata, tendered to Mr. MeReynolds, of Isherwood, Bellam and Mcßeynolds, roading contractors, which firm has been doing the main highways reconstruction and sealing work in the town district, to a scheme laid down by Mr. M. E. Fitzgerald, county engineer. “In the Matamata town district,” the speaker said, “ the work you have done is unique, for never before has there been roading so solidly and scientifically foundationed, nor have we previously had tar-sealed roads, although there is a short stretch of concrete road laid as an experiment, but which does not appear to have been the magnet it was expected to be to draw town development that way. It would have made an excellent approach to a proposed public house down that way, but this venture fizzled out—much to our sorrow.” (Laughter). “ If properly maintained, the roads you have been building will be carrying traffic, in much greater volume, when we have been succeeded by other generations. Let us hope that posterity will remember the works of its forefathers.” (Hear, hear). “ Whenver I see roadmen at work my mind pierces through the dust and heat and sweat of the day, beyond to the rosy hues of romance that roading conjures up for those who see with the inner eye, and have a proper perspective, giving the past and the present their dues, and glimpsing the effects of each upon the future. The past is the parent of the present, and the present, which is where the past and the future meet, is likewise shaping the future.

“ The greatest Empire the world has ever known, prior to the British Empire, was the Roman. Til? 9U6 material accomplishment which, more than any other, enabled the Romans to invade and conquer was their wonderful system of road-making. To this day the foundations of Roman roads may be seen in England and on the Continent. Rambling over the ruins of Bapaume the day after we had ejected the Germans there from, for the last time, I w r as fortunate enough to meet Sir Philip Gibbs, the noted British war correspondent. The distinguished writer pointed out to me that some of the tiles were French, and others Roman, indicating the history of the ancient town. Truly, there are sermons in stones.

“ Wherever the great roadways go there will be built the cities and centres of population in which cluster tlie great seats of learning and of authority, and science and art. of recreation and entertainment; in short, the thousand activities that go to make up this queer, complex civil) satioii of ours.

“ When next you bend to the iask of road-making, think not that you are engaged upon a humdrum job. Roadmaking to-day is a scientifie business, and the rule of thumb men are being rapidly eliminated; it is, as I have tried to show you, permeated with romance, and is rising higher still in the scale of human achievement. The modern Romans, under the driving force of that remarkable man, Mussolini, are still in the van, and have recently constructed the

‘ Autostrada,’ a marvellous motor highway reserved for motorists alone. In that he is always building for the future the roadmaker is worthy of Kipling’s vivid tribute to the pioneer.’

For he shall desire loneliness, And his desires shall bring Hard on his heels a thousand wheels, A people, and a King. And he shall turn back o ? er his own track, And by his scarce cool camp; There he shall meet the’ roaring street, The derrick and the stump. And he shall blaze a nation’s way With hatchet and with brand, Till o’er his last-won wilderness A nation’s bulwarks stand.

• The highway work being done in the ; Matamata town district consists of the reconstruction and sealing of Waharoa road, Station rOad, Hlhuera road to the eounty boundary;; similar Work. from the county boundary on Mangawhero road, TowetYroadj functioning at the railway with the Waharoa road and Peria road intersection, After a very great deal of trouble, the board has at last got this work sanctioned and undertaken.