MOTORISTS’ GUIDE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 526, 1 December 1928, Page 7

MOTORISTS’ GUIDE

NORTHERN ROADS A.A.A.’S WEEKLY SERVICE The Auckland Automobile Association is to issue weekly reports on the condition oi roads as a guide to motorists. After a visit ot inspection in North AucKland the touring manager, Mr. R. E. Champtaloup, has made the following report; AUCKLAND TO SILVERDALE—Two miles or the road irom Minora to siiverdale are unmetaiied and portions of the metal are somewhat rough. Motorists are advised to take the left-hand road at Hall’s Corner, rour miles from uevonpon, and follow the signs to Albany, thence following the signs tc Siiverda.e and Waiwera. A metal road extends to the Orewa Beach. Members are advised that if they wish to travel along the beach to continue 400 yards beyond the bridge before turning down to the beach. SILVERDALE TO W ARK WORTH— After rising from Orewa Beach clay is encountered and chains will be required m wet weather. North of Puhoi. extensive operations under the Highways Board are being carried out and in wet weather this road should be avoided. Motorists taking it should be thoroughly experienced in clay conditions. A number of corners are being cut back and there will be numerous soft fillings. W ARK WORT II TO W HAN G A RE I From Warkworth the road through the Dome Valley and Wayby Gorge is in fair order, but chains will be necessary in wet weather. At the junction where the Dargaville and Whangarei roads branch, the Whangarei road turns to the right and at present there are a couple of miles of rather rough road, bur this is to be graded before Christmas. The route north, via Mangawai, is in fair order, but north of Mangawai there are several rough patches, particularly north of Waipu Cove There is no depth in the ruts and with chains no undue difficulty should be experienced. From Waipu, the new highway forms a striking example of what can be done with loose surface maintenance, and the fine rolling surface makes a remarkable contrast to the large loose metal surfaces found on the Auck and-Hamilton Road WHANr.'REI TO KAWAKAWA—The major par of this road has been graded and the formation done last year is in good order. There are two sections which are still rough, ~ but cars are going through in the wet weather with chains. WHANGAREI TO KAIKOHE —The Mangakahia Valley Road is not yet in good order and although cars are negotiating the road it should only be used by experienced drivers. The better route is via Kawakawa. Further north, the route via Mangamuka provides an all-weather surface. WHANGAREI TO DARGAVILLE — Travelling north from Warkworth. the main route is followed to the Whangare* junction, but between Wayby' and Wellsford a large amount of new formation

renders the road very* difficult in wet weather, and it is likely this portion of the road will be closed during the metalling. The A.A A. is arranging deviation notices which will provide a detour into Wellsford. North of Wellsford there are further improvements being carried out on the road, and in wet weather this stretch will prov ; ''e?w travelling. DARGAVILLE TO HOKIANGA—The bottom course of metal through the Waipoua Forest is now practical’y completed, but there is still clay between Kaihu and he forest, and in wet weather chains will be required. The route, however, will be open for traffic right through the summer. _ AUCKLAND TO WELLSFORD —The metal route via Lincoln Road to Helensville is now in the best condition that has ever existed and north of Kaukapakapa \ clay surfaces have been graded and disked and can now be relied upon for summer use. Chains will, however, he required after rain falls, as the clay surface wi’l