OVER MT. MESSENGER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 131, 27 October 1914, Page 3

OVER MT. MESSENGER.

(r.y "Xoiiijam'"). The first motor-car to negotiate Mt. Messenger for tlic present season passed over on Friday. Tiie party left Te Kititi oil Thursday afternoon, and t!ie experiences I'licoiintiTcd en rout ll were disheartening to those who were out to appreciate the joys of motoring. 'At one place a bullock team had to be brought into requisition to tow the car out of the mud. The ascent of Mt. Messenger was accomplished without trouble, but, strange to say, the descent proved trying to the motorists. Owing to the heavy bush little sun reaches the road, and consequently sticky mud, deep ruts and sharp corners added to the discomfiture of tin: party. Owing to these exigencies the ear was dillicult to manoeuvre over this portion of the road. A milling contract party working in the vicinity were soon 011 the scene with planks, shovels, etc., and made a way for tiie car to proceed. This, however, only lasted for a short while, for the party suddenly encountered a bad stretch of road about a mile from the foot, which necessitated abandoning all hope of proceeding further. The mail co.i -li bound for Awakino arrived shortly "f----ter. and by th" generosity of the driver (Mr. Parr) his horses were hitched om. and subsequently the car reached the foot without further mishap. The mountain at present is only accessible for light cars and motor-cycles, but another fortnight or three weeks of good weather should satisfy the motoring public that the road is fit for travelling.

The mountain at present is a sight of scenic grandeur. The imposing and characteristic grandness of this spot is well worth a vUit. When t;he mountain road is metalled' a splendid connecting link in the chain of provincial highways across the whole of the North Island will be at the service of the motorist all the veav round.