WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1925, Page 2

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Mr K. A. AA’ells, County Chairman, has prepared the following report on district roads in respect to a recent special inspection made to note the use and value of machinery in connection with the upkeep of roads in general use:— Gentlemen,—l have to report having in company with Overseer Millncr paid a visit of inspection to portions of the Central Riding on Tuesday last. Lake Kanieri Road AVidcning £330 grant was first visited and the work found to be progressing satisfactorily. Hie formation, which has proved troublesome at various points, owing to tlie slippery nature of tlie country above the roadway, was almost completed and the work of metalling was to he commenced the following day. Tlie work has been delayed owing to the inability in procuring teams for the cartage of material. Lake Kanieri road was found to be in passable order. Several portions were rough for motor traffic owing to the road surface being loosened by the dry weather. A light- coating of blinding and the use of the road roller will restore the road to a satisfactory condition.

Lower Kok at alii and Koitornngi roads were ill very good order. Tlie roiul roller operating as far as Munioipal Road has effected a wonderful improvement in rolling in all the loose stones in the new gravel, and crushing in the rough stony surface of Koiterangi and Cropp’s roads. The cost of hand-breaking the stone on tlie newly repaired portions of Cropp’s, Koiterangi and Lower Kokntahi roads alone would have amounted to CiO. This amount, in my opinion, has been piaeticallv saved to the Council by the use of the road roller, and the work done rendered the surface of the road fairly smooth for fast traffic, a condition which should he much appreciated by the ratepayers in the district.

Cropp’s Road drain recently cleaned, widened, anil deepened, over a distance of 10 chains, was also inspected and found to he very satisfactory, the cost to the Council not being equivalent to one-third of the actual value of the work performed.