ROADS IN THE NORTH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 870, 14 January 1930, Page 6

ROADS IN THE NORTH

REPORT BY A.A.A. The A.A.A. advises that from today the routes between Whangarei and Auckland, also Dargaville and Auckland, will be as follow: Whangarei-Waipu-Mangawai-Te Hana-Wellsford - Helensvllle-Auck-land. Dargaville - Maungaturoto - Kaiwaka - Mangawai-Te Hana-Wells-ford-Helensville-Auckland.

The touring manager of the A.A.A., Mr. R. E. Champtaloup, reports that he is in touch with the Public Works Department with regard to maintenance of the clay routes and understands that graders will be placed on the clay surfaces as weather permits. It must be understood, however, that it is quite useless placing a grader on a deeply-rutted road unless there is some indication of fine weather following. Otherwise, bad conditions will only be made worse. The key to the position seems to be between the Mangawai Road and Te Hana. Travelling south from Mangawai, the Fairy Hill route has been indicated by a “Te Hana” sign, but as this road is now in bad order, the sign has been moved and traffic will continue a little farther south until a "detour route” sign is reached. Traffic will then turn to the right, and by following signs will, through the courtesy of the manager of the tobacco plantation, follow a detour and will then join the metal which continues through Te Hana and Wellsford to Port Albert. The manager of the tobacco plantation has been exceptionally good in helping motorists, and the association is arranging to pay a subsidy to him to help defray expenses incurred by assisting members of automobile associations in the event of wet weather. After fine weather, it will be optional and may be more pleasant to continue south on the main road to the Whangaripo corner and then turn to the right for Wellsford. Constant advice will be available at Whangarei, Dargaville and Auckland and members travelling are urged to secure the latest advice before attempting the road. Every member must be warned that unless he is experienced in clay conditions, he should on no account attempt the road in wet weather. Under no circumstances whatever do we advise motorists to travel unless carrying tyre chains.