WEST COAST ROAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 6, 29 March 1927, Page 10

WEST COAST ROAD

WHERE JOLTS ABOUND TOWN BOARD’S DIFFICULTY After travelling comfortably in a bus over miles of smooth concrete roadway, it comes as a rude shock to enter upon a thoroughfare that can hardly be described as a road That is the unpleasant experience of residents of Glen Eden, or anyone else who cares to essay the trip to this little district, only nine miles from Auckland. From the moment the bus leaves the concrete strip on the Great North Road and turns into the West Coast Road, the travellers get an excellent idea of what the pioneers must have endured in the old days, when coaches were the vogue and concrete roads were unknown. Should the passenger fail to take a firm grip with feet and hands, th«* bumping and rocking of the bus kely to c;n - him to •jv knock*a icle t< ind ofttimes to su... roof vehicle. One remarkable thing that cannot but strike even the most buffeted

passenger is the manner in which the drivers of these buses handle their machines. It is at once a mystery and a credit. The Glen Eden Town Board made application to the No. 1 District Highways Board for a giant to assist in the much-needed repair of the road, but that has been turned down. ' This seems rather difficult to understand, owing to the f ac t that during the construction of the Great North Road, the West Coast Road was used as a detour road and highway, and consequently received the full benefit of the great number of vehicles, light and heavy, which used it for over 12 months. Although the Town Board expended some money on the road during the last 12 months, the work has gone for nothing, and present lack of funds makes it impossible for repairs to be effected. It can be pointed out, however, that unless something is done soon, the road will become an absolute danger during the winter months. At present it is just an unpleasri'nt journ 3 y, but with wet roads it will become treacherous.