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Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1921, Page 2

Apkopos of the question of read-making machinery for this district, it has been given out that some motor tipping lorries are to be biought here for a public demonstration in the near future. These machines include the Leyland lorry, the Guy lorry, and tlio F.W.D. lorry. The proposed demonstration should create great public interest. However, on the larger question of road-making machinery which was lately before the ratepayers of Westland County, and which they in their judgment rejected, there is still a good deal to be said. In a late issue of the Lyttelton Times a correspondent gives a concrete example of the Toad work which can bo done by a complete mechanical outfit such as the County Council hero contemplated obtaining. TKe following is tlio example in question:—Sonic eighteen months ago, the Kowai County' Council decided to purchase a haulage plant, consisting of traction engine, trucks, crusher, road roller, and scarifier, and thus to do its own work in the way of metalling and maintenance of roads. So satisfactory lias the venture proved fh>m the start that the council has never on any occasion had reason to complain of the expenditure, much less the experiment itself. Accurate details of the costs ol the various works have regularly been kept by the County Clerk. The latest work carried out is worthy of record. It is that of metalling Douglas Road. Arnlterley to Broomfield, on, which during twenty consecutive days in December, no fewer than 1904 yards of metal were hauled out and spread between points, the farthest of which was 130 chains and the nearest 10 chains from the source of supply, an average distance of 70 chains, and this at a cost of only Is Bsd per yard. This efficiency has been attained by the aid of an appliance, an invention of the county engineer, Mr J. Fitzpatrick, for the purpose of facilitating loading of the metal into tile trucks at the point of supply. Credit is also due, says the report in conclusion to the efficiency of the council’s employees, a body of men whom it would be hard to equal, much less to beat, at the class of work .it which they are engaged. As this definite example may be inspected across the ranges, it might be worth while the Westland County Council sending any doubting Thomas’ about the economic uses of road making machinery across the hills to Amberley to see the plant at work. Certainly the Council should obtain definite information as to the Kowai Council’s venture, either by a written report, or better still an inspection of the county plant by one of the AVest land road staff. It is evident the scheme will effect a great general saving to the ratepayers where modern machinery is brought into vogue.