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Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1927, Page 2

A fair amount of municipal work is being done about the streets of late, and in parts of the town there has been a marked improvement. There is still need for a municipal policy in respect to permanent improvements. A step in that direction is the tar-scaling of the footpaths, a practice which many ratepayers would like to see extended also to some of the principal streets used fur vehicle traffic. The experiment in tar-sealing Ilccell SL, has been a much appreciated work. There has been an abatement of the dust nuisance which must lie appreciated by the shop-keepers. The improved surface of the roadway has contributed also to the cleanly appearance of the thoroughfare. What has been done in that quarter of the town might well be extended—if the funds permit. The work appears to be- performed economically, that is, the Borough stair is employed and the results point to the cost being nominally light. The tar. it is understood. is supplied at a cut rate, and the gravel is the only other material to he bought. That is quite adjacent to the town in ample- quantity. A good plant has been put in. and considerable lengths of pathway can be treated satisfactorily in a given time. It is a matter for deciding if the road surfaces are in a satisfactory state for tar sealing, or whether they .should be crowned more before the implication of tar. Mo doubt some of the streets could be treated right away, hut others would need building up somewhat. The Council might well look into the limiter to see what can be done within the Hinted menus available- for work of the nature referred to. The tar scaling is helpful in retaining the roadway in a sustained condition, it minimises the dust nuisance, conduces to greater manliness and a hotter appearance, while running over such a road surface would be appreciated bv motorists. The general results are added to bv the future saving in maintenance, an important factor in studying the first cost involved. On the whole the proposal has much to commend it. The local Council might well go into the matter as a means for future saving where sections of the roads can he treated as here suggested.