GREAT SOUTH ROAD.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 454, 4 March 1919, Page 4

GREAT SOUTH ROAD.

We notice that a Napier motorist is complaining in the Auckland Press about the condition of the Great South Road between Ngaruawahia and Mercer, and certainly his outcry is justified. since the condition of this stretch of highway both in summer and winter is a national disgrace, seeing that it is the "main road" between Auckland and Wellington. Those who hive suffered the agonies of the Rangiriri roads, however, will be interested to learn that the Public Works Department has just completed the survey of a new route, which will entirely eliminate eight miles of the very worst of the rough going, and in the good days ,to come will provide a perfectly level surface through the swamp land bordering the hills. When that work will lie done 'time alone will tell, but in the meantime a. picturesque alternative route can be offered through-motor-ists provided they are not pressed for !'-lie. Travelling from Auckland, motorists should leave <he main South koad ai Kuneiman. and follow the main metalled road to I'ukekohe and thence on to Tuakau. The Waikato should be crossed at. Tuakau and the road to -lie left taken at Pukekawa. I'Yoie 'here on the signposts are adequate for direction and bring the traveller out at Kangiriri. The bridge 'here should not be crossed, but the traveller should keep to the right along the river bank until Huntly is reached, where the Main South Road° can again be joined. This stretch along the river is not particularly good going, but it is infinitely better than I lie terrible switch-back and double reverse action of the main road be- ■ ween Kangiriri and Huntly. As for the slre'ch between 'i'uakau and Rangiriri it offers a splendid surface for a clay road and is al the present time in most excellent order. It affords some glorious views of wide expanses ami is alloge'her the preferable route where an hour or .«o longer does not natter.