ACCESS TO RUSSELL

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1066, 2 September 1930, Page 6

ACCESS TO RUSSELL

PREPARING FOR INVASION READY BY NEXT SUMMER The final stages of construction work on the new road which will provide motor access to Russell are nearing completion and a good metalled highway will be available for next summer's touring. The route leaves Whangarei-Kawa-kawa highway near Whakapara, 14 miles north of Whangarei, and gradually ascends to higher levels, when the East Coast comes into view. The road passes close to the shores of Helena Bay, Mokau, and Oakura Bay, before climbing to the top of the mountain spur. Although there is a rise of almost a thousand feet, good visibility and easy curvature are provided on moderate grades. Beautiful native bush is seen on all sides, and in the distance the shimmering water of the bay, dotted with its innumerable islands, adds delight to the trip. HISTORICAL SCENES On the Russell side of the spur there are many points of early historic interest; the residence of the first American Consul, ballast discharged from ships in the early trading days, the scene of several massacres, and the waterways used by the soldiers in the early fighting. Russell is peculiarly situated, in that, in the year 1930, practically only one or two motor vehicles have penetrated to this beautiful resort. The safety of children and pedestrians will naturally cause concern with the first influx of motor traffic, arid in order that provision should be made to enforce effective control, but without unduly hampering the tourist, the touring manager of the A.A.A. visited Russell last week and conferred with the Town Board. READY FOR CAR TRAFFIC Signs are to be erected, appealing to motorists and warning them where unseen dangers exist. Certain restrictions are to be imposed and traffic domes are to be constructed to provide safety on street corners, where visibility is obstructed. The Town Board is taking steps to provide a suitable camping area. A section of the local domain is to be prepared and temporary facilities erected, pending the provision of up-to-date camping arrangements. It is estimated that if fine weather prevails, there should be at least 100 cars parked in Russell over the Christmas period.