SOUTH ROAD AND MOTOR TRAFFIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1915, Page 3

SOUTH ROAD AND MOTOR TRAFFIC.

To tlif Edtor. Sir,—The anonymous letter pulilishc(l in your Suv.riay's issue dealing with the M.nrii.ion of the South Roiul and tlie Comity Chairman's a comments thereon will he endorsed by every farmer living on—or within striking distance of—th.ir, road. The only obpeetion .1 have to the letter is the. fact that the writer was evidently ashamed (if his name, .lust now we will let that pass. When 1 settled on tlie South Koitd, a little over three years ago, it was in a deplorable state. No need to go into details. The road was a disgrace to the county. To-day the road is a credit to the county and motor power has placed us under conditions that make life, comparatively speaking, worth living. Despite heavy and continuous rain and the fact that we are past tlie middle o; winter, the road from New Plymouth bnndary to Pujiiho is in very good order indeed. There are patches in every long length of road anywhere which, no matter what the traffic, need more attention than the hulk', but the man w!u seriously states that the road to-day is bad should be mentally examined. The i Motor Transport Company has placed i tlie mail, newspaper, passenger, and parcel service on the Smith Road in a position that deserves the hearty thanks of every settler in the coast districts. It has reduced charges, and keeps them at a minimum. It has made travelling rapid and pleasant. Its stall' are course- : oust, ellicieut, and extremely careful. 11 am not a shareholder in the company I or interested in it in any way, and am not looking for dividends or a bunch of early violets. I get my mail and nowspaper regularly, and practically as early as the city man, and an evening paper: if I want one. If I want to run into town the motor 'bus picks me up at my door, placed me in a comfortably padded seat, and lands me in Devon Street in a little over half an hour. Futhcrmore, it takes me home agfiin at a decent hour after business is done. When I think of tlie old coach days, sir, 1 positively marvel at the patience and long-sufl'ering we then exhibited. The change in the conditions of life effected by the Motor Company's service and motor transit generally, has jerked settlers clean out of the old moss-grown rut. My advice to settlers is to stand by the company and see that the servi.'o. is retained. I would also advise the County Chairman to stop crying about the motor service proposition. ''Keep your head up, sir, and strike onward and upward. Keep the future in front of you, and all will be well." The motor service has come to stay, and the County Council must face the position like progressive and up-to-date men. Tim traction engine and heavily-laden trailers may' have injured the roads badly, but they are not with us to-day.—l am, 1 etc, W. 11. HAWKINS. Tataraimaka, July 12, 19J5.