The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1908. WAIHIRERE METAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2088, 14 January 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1908. WAIHIRERE METAL.

In Stout steed, near the Wliutaupoko bridge, workmen were engaged yesterday in putting a light coat of tar and sand on a portion of the footpath near tlio corner of Fitzlicrbert street, and the fact drew attention to the state of tlio path in that vicinity. It is for all ordinary purposes a perfect path and ono might be pardoned for wondering -why there should bo any necessity to attempt to improve it. The path has now been laid down for about 10 months and-stood all the traffic of last winter and spring. It was constructed of a thin layer of screenings from the Waihirero quarry and was not rolled, yet it is perfectly smooth and has set almost as firmly as cement. There may ho differences of opinion as to tlio utility of Waihircre metal for roads, but here is ample proof that the waste could profitably be used on all the footpaths throughout the town. As regards the former point there are two patches of roadway—one at the corn•or of Fitzherbcrt street and the other in Childers road near Grey street made from Waiherero stone —which have heen subjected to ordinary traffic for twelve mouths and have stood tlio test admirably. No one claims that ‘Waihirero is a first-class metal—there is 110110 to be got in the Bay for the matter of that—but it is urged with reason that is is almost as good as that obtained from Patutalii and as it can be obtained at a quarter of tho cost tliero is no excuse for allowing our streets to remain in their present disgraceful condition. A road properly constructed with Waihirero metal at the sides and the crown made lip with Patutahi where “traffic was exceptionally heavy, would in all probability give very satisfactory remits and there is certainly no excuse for tho Council delaying action in this matter a day longer than can possibly be avoided. Tlio summer is now well advanced and unless the City Fathers acquire an abnormal acceleration of speed the winter will bo upon 11s without any steps having been taken to provide the community with passable thoroughfares for the muddy season.