MOTORISTS WARNED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 854, 24 December 1929, Page 11

MOTORISTS WARNED

RAIN MAKES MANY ROADS IMPASSABLE REPORTS FROM ALL CENTRES The roads available for use by touring - motorists have been restricted greatly by the recent heavy rains. Patrols of the Auckland Automobile Association report that only motorists experienced in mud conditions can travel from Helensville to Maungaturoto. and that certain roads in the King Country are impassable. The patrol stationed at Wellsford telephoned this morning that very heavy rain fell overnight and few cars went through yesterday, those who did having a most miserable journey. Only one man passed through from the North. The Railway Department has made special provision for railing motor-cars between Helensville and Maungaturoto, and there have been no delays as yet. North of Waipu the surfaces are in good condition and give safe travelling in all weathers. Heavy rain has fallen in the Rotorua and Taupo districts, but the main roads are not affected. The new route from Rotorua to Lake Waikaremoana through the Urewera is now impassable and the soft filling will require a fortnight’s hot spell to dry out. Wet has I prevented the opening of the new road from Wanganui to Ivarioi, via Mangamahu, but the way through Raetihi is reported to be in good order. The Main Highways Board has advised the association that the new alternative route from Opotiki to Matawai, through the Waioeka Valley, is not passable and traffic must take the metalled road over the Motu Hills. The stretch at Otoko, which has been rough, will be in a satisfactory state. Complaints regarding the steep water tables on the Rotorua -Whakatane Road, where white barrels have warned motorists during the past week, have been investigated and the road is now quite safe. The road to the North through Waiwera and Warkworth is practically impassable. Patrols of the association will tour the Rotorua, Waikato and King Country districts and the Far North during the holiday season. A large volume of traffic along all the popular routes is reported. Tourists are urged to take all possible care in loose metal to avoid skidding, and to be specially careful in passing workmen. Last year a number of men were injured through being struck by flying metal. The association points out that much more pleasant touring conditions are possible where motorists extend all due courtesy to one another and give help in any little wayside accidents or mechanical failures.