ROAD TO THE NORTH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 909, 28 February 1930, Page 8

ROAD TO THE NORTH

DIVERTED TRAFFIC ON WEST COAST

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER From Our Own Correspondent PAPAROA, Thursday. Yesterday the Minister of Public Works, the lion. E. A. Ransom, m«t settlers and representatives of Rodriey County and discussed with them the problem of maintaining the West Coa*t highway to the North from Helensville, while the East Coast main highway is being constructed. At present the diverted traffic use 3 the West Coast route, which at times becomes impassable. It was explained to the Minister that the increased traffic both north and south on the West Coast route had brought fresh difficulties and during wet periods cream lorries could not collect their consignments. This was a great loss to the farmers. It was also suggested that the West Coast route be restored to its former status as a secondary highway, so that the Public Works Department could spend money on it without there being any legal obstacle in the way. The Minister intimated that other means could be found of overcoming any technical difficulty. There are 21 miles of unmetalled road between Kaukapakapa and I Helensville. This is all in Rodney | County, except for a few miles at the south end, which are in Waitemata County. Mr. L. W. J. Scholium, chairman of the county, said that, contrary to the wishes of the settlers and the District Highways Council, the road had been declared a secondary highway. A great deal of money would have to be spent i on the side roads to enable settlers to get on to the main road. DIFFICULT PROPOSITION The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, speaking for the settlers, explained that road- ; ins in the Rodney County was one of the most difficult propositions in New Zealand. Under the Main Highways Board the West Coast Road was receiving a subsidy of £2 for £1 for maintenance. County rates were not sufficient to meet the urgent requirements of the settlers requiring access. The East Coast route would not be ' finished for another two years. Meanwhile, the settlers of the West (’oast were having the diverted traffic thrust on to their already inadequate roadHe suggested that the expenditure the East Coast be curtailed slightly that money could be spent on the worst parts of the West Coast route. Mr. R. E. Champtaloup, of the Auckland Automobile Association, objected to any interference with the programme of the main road. It would ? be against the wishes of the whole of j the North. His association judged that when the road was completed the traffic would increase by 500 per cent. In reply Mr. Ransom said that the possibilities of development warranted the expenditure on reading in the North. He was convinced that a good return was assured. Land must be ■ brought into production so that roading expenditure could be shared by ah increased number of settlers. He would look into the question of declaring the West Coast Road a Government highway, but he failed to see that that J would be any advantage, as the j Government would still have to find the j money. He would go into the question very carefully. Regarding the point raised by Mr. Champtaloup, he would refer the question to the chairman of the Main Highways Board, Mr. F. W. Furkert. He could not see a possibility of in 3" mediately metalling the West Coa— Road right through. If it could not j done in two years, everything should be done to give access to the j East Coast Road.