ROAD SURFACING

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 32, 8 February 1933, Page 9

ROAD SURFACING

WAIRARAPA HIGHWAY

A SECOND FOUR MILES

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

MASTEETON, This Day. v The Masterton County Council yesterday decided to apply to the Main Highways Board for permission to put in hand the permanent surfacing of the second four miles section of the Wel-lington-Napier main highway. In the course of a brief discussion on j tho matter Councillor J. W. Colquhoun said that the section had been prepared, and if the tar sealing was not proceed- j ed with it would cost a fair amount to maintain it during the year. The chairman, Councillor W. I. Armstrong,, pointed out that the money had been collected. Other works of a similar nature 'were going on in New Zealand to-day, and if the council did not' mako application someone else would. Councillor G. Moore thought that it might be sufficient in the- meantime to put a further four miles in good order.' The chairman:. I think we would be wise to make an application. If we let it slip we will be all behind. Councillor J. W. A. Palloon was in favour of carrying on with the work. ■' j The money had been, collected, and if they .did not apply they would not get anything, observed Councillor H."Hi Mawley. ~ ■ : The advisability of spending money on the tarring ofl roads at the present juncture was questioned by Councillor Moore. "It is not the time to tar roads," he said, "and it does not matter what other people, are doing. Wo have got to be cautious." Councillor Colquhoun: We have not had any complaints from the ratepayers. They are' eagerly awaiting the completion of the second section. The. rates had to come down, stated Councillor Moore. Councillor Armstrong: We have probably reduced our rates more than any ocher council in New Zealand. Councillor Moore: Well, they were pretty high before. "They are low enough now, any-' way,l' replied Councillor Armstrong. It is not sound economy/ he added to reduce the rates too low and allow tho roads to deteriorate."

The discussion was then dropped.