The Road Gang

Decades ago, there wafted the stink of the horse and its exhaust to avoid stepping on when crossing the street. Then came the motor vehicle, intruding with its odourless and unseen carbon monoxide and tyre particulates to poison the lung and pollute the environment. This third and final volume of New Zealand's transport history is an historical narrative drawn from newspaper accounts, relevant legislation, and additional research material to explain the events that led to the suppression of public transport development in favour of the construction of roads and the promotion of private automotive transport in New Zealand. The story begins with the linking of New Zealand settlements by road and rail during the 1800s, the first conflict between the different advocates of the two transport modes, and the land speculators eager to profit from 'public subsidy for private gain'. Some of the first coach and bicycle builders, dealers, and importers who hesitantly transitioned to the new motor vehicle as a possible transport alternative are described as early members of 'The Road Gang' –– those who influenced and benefitted from the evolvement of modes of transport from the waka, wagon, and bicycle to the present-day motor vehicle, bus, and railcar. The narrative continues with the identification of later members of the 'Gang' who made their fortunes (and some who didn't), including motor vehicle assemblers, importers and dealers; crude oil explorers and refiners; tyre dealers and road construction firms; vehicle parts manufacturers; the Government and Councils.