SCENIC GRANDEUR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 21, 21 December 1932, Page 4

SCENIC GRANDEUR.

NEW PLYAIOUTH BOAD. PLAIN, MOUNTAIN, SEASCAPE. A ten-mile stretch of road, affording constant glimpses of changing beauty and grandeur, of bill, poiin, mountain and seascape —a route making possible a saving of seven miles and obviating the climb and descent of Mount Messenger —has been forgotten bv administrators and officials (says the Auckland Star). That is the road between Pnkearuhe and Tongaporutu, parallel with the foaming breakers of the historic White Cliffs on the main Auck-land-New Plymouth highway. It is tlie road trodden by Te Rauparaha and his followers, surveyed many years afterwards and forgotten ml the years since. There are few roads in New Zealand that can provide more awe-inspiring vistas. The route has been surveyed for many years, but never has it been pushed beyond surveyors’ pegs. There are many reasons why it should he made real with relief labour, following completion of the Stratford Alain Trunk railway. The distance from Awakino to New Plymouth, via Alount Messenger. is 60 miles. The distance through via Tongaporutu and Pukearuhe would be 32 —a difference of seven or eight miles. ROAD USED FOR STOCK. The present state of the proposed new route is fit only for stock-driving, and it has been used for that purpose for many years, varied by a ride along the beach for part of the way. 'Hie route runs through the Parininihi tunnel, cut through a papa promontory miles from Pnkearuhe.. and thence upon the tableland of Gibbs’s Estate to Tongaporutu. Metal and shingle abound in the locality, being obtainable from the lieach a.nd the streams. One gang could commence at Tongaporutu and work southwards, a. second at the Parininihi tunnel, working towards Pnkearuhe, another at the Wnipingnu Stream, midway between Parininihi a.nd Pukearube, working northwards, and a fourth at the Pnkearuhe end. working towards the Waioingan Stream, where is located a good camping ground.

TRAFFIC ON MOUNTAIN ROUTE. Alount Alessenger is subject to heavy traffic a.t this season of the year, until Easter, there being loads of wool and lambs to deposit at AVaitara freezing works by doulve-decker motor lorries. In addition, the opening of the new road will increase the traffic.