AUCKLAND AS A MOTORING CENTRE

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 3, Issue 3, 1 September 1924, Page iv (Supplement)

AUCKLAND AS A MOTORING CENTRE

Cornwall Park, Auckland.

POSSIBILITIES OF THE "QUEEN CITY" THE NEED FOR BETTER ROADS

“Summer is i’cumen in,” and the thoughts of every motorist are turning towards those happy months when the countryside is his kingdom: when roads cease to be mud-pools and become traversable, and when he and his family may reap the full benefit from the ear. Many, however, are the car owners who, from lack of knowledge of local roads and conditions, do not obtain all the pleasure that their car is. ready to give them, and the dread of unpleasant adventure deters all but the boldest from venturing on fresh roads and districts new. The number of people who know the country well and are able to jot down a series of tours or even short trips without the aid of a map and much anxious inquiry is but few, and, with this in mind, we are publishing from month to month descriptions and maps of trips and tours suitable to the season, around various centres, which we believe will prove a boon to the ordinary ear-owner. Of all towns in New Zealand, Auckland can probably claim to be in the possession of the most varied scenic beauty within a

short half-day’s trip from the centre of the city, but, unfortunately, the motorist is handicapped by the fact that the roads to some of the most enticing beauty spots are impassable except after a spell of fine, dry weather. To give the Auckland

motorist a comprehensive map showing all the main roads, and describing how to reach the many delectable beaches and lovely countryside within easy radius would appear to be easy, and such a map would appear to be of great use. Its usefulness, however, would be negatived by the fact that to attempt many of the roads shown would be simply asking for disaster. We have, therefore, included in the map on the opposite page three trips that are at present availableprobably these will be known to many, but to an equally large number they will be new. As the season advances, so will the scope of the motorist, and we shall publish further maps of this nature, giving more extended itineraries, with full descriptions of what to see and the facilities available. The motorist must not. expect, as yet, even on the trips shown, roads that permit of speedingcareful driving is always necessary, but the enjoyment to be derived will outweigh the disadvantages, and later, when the clay roads become available, the number of excursions open to him will be very considerably augmented.

Tour No. 3 ROUND TRIP (30 miles approx.) Leave City via Anzac Av., Symonds St., Khyber Pass, Newmarket, thence along Remuera Ed. to Orakei Ed. (second turn to left past Remuera P. 0.), thence over the Orakei Bridge (drive carefully here, very narrow road), through Orakei, the future Garden Suburb, take sharp turn to left, as shown on plan, into Kohimarama, thence along road parallel with beach to St. Holier ’s Bay. Leave St. Holier’s by steep hill road, thence past St. John’s College, and follow road through Tamaki West to Panmure, thence through to Otahuhu, along Gt. South Ed. to Nixon’s Monument, take right hand turn, then through Mangere, passing over railway crossing, over Mangere Bridge to Onehunga, and return to City, following concrete road.

TITIRANGI (12 miles) Glorious Views. Native Bush and Park. Tea Kiosk. Road metalled, steep from New Lynn, very rough. Leave Auckland G.P.O. via Anzac Avenue, Symonds St., New North Rd., passing tnrough Eden Terrace, Kingsland, Mt. Albert, Avondale. Beware railway crossing, New Lynn. Nos. I, 2 and 3 itineraries marked on plan in heavy line, all cross roads shown in double lines.

Tour No. 2

WHITFORD (19 miles) A very picturesque drive over good roads, though steep and winding when nearing Whitford. A good trip for a.whole day, with plenty of pretty spots to have lunch. Via Anzac Av., Synionds St., Khyber Pass, Newmarket, thence along Gt. South Ed. to old Harp of Erin Hotel, take left turn past old smithy, through Ellerslie, Panmure, over Tamaki River Bridge, through Tamaki East, Howick (turn down if time to beach), or continue on road to Whitford, about six miles further on.