BEFORE NEXT WINTER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 772, 19 September 1929, Page 8

BEFORE NEXT WINTER

AUCKLAND-WHANGAREI ROAD LINK HIGHWAY TO HAMILTON The possibility that an all-weather metalled road linking Auckland and tVhangarei will be completed before next winter is suggested by Mr F \V. Furkert. chairman of the Main Highways Board, in a letter to the Chamber of Commerce. The communication contains some interesting information concerning the board's operations on highway improvements in this district. It j s in answer to a resolution passed bv the conference of provincial chambers of commerce, urging the board to expedite better road communication from Auckland to Whangarei, and from Auckland to Hamilton. The board has in hand a definite scheme for linking Auckland and Whangarei by metalled road. Mr. Fur. kert states. Expenditure on this work last year totalled £70.000, and it is proposed to provide a substantial amount for further work. The surfacing of about 17 miles of the Rangiriri Hills section of the Main South Road between Auckland and Hamilton is in hand. Negotiations have been completed with the Waikato and Waipa County Councils in connection with the surfacing between Ohinewai and Hamilton, and negotiations with the Franklin County Council are in train concerning the surfacing of the section in that county. •In addition, the board has carried out extensive widening works over the whole length of this road during the past two years, comments Mr. Furkert, who points to Mercer as an example of the improved conditions. In conclusion, Mr. Furkert says:—. “Perhaps the conference had in mind the completion of the whole of the works In one year, but I would point out that not only would such a pro. posal be physically impossible, but the scheme would involve the alloca. tlon to this one road of the whole of the capital funds available for expenditure in the North Island. The chamber of Commerce can rest assured that the board is well aware of the necessity for improvements to this road, and the work is being carried out aa quickly as finances are available.”