MAIN HIGHWAYS COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1928, Page 1

MAIN HIGHWAYS COUNCIL

MEETING AT GREYMOUTH

The Main Highways Council for the West Coast Counties district met at Greymouth at 7.30 o’clock last evening. Present: Messrs T. A. Johnston, District Engineer, J. A. Powell (Duller), W. Clayton (lnangahua), J. Higgins (Grey), D. J. Evans (West land). Tiie present being the first meeting since the District Engineer, had arrived in the district, Mr T. A. Johnston was elected permanent chairman. The Chairman and Messrs Higgins and Clayton were elected an executive. Mr 11. Barrett (Cobden Town Board) attended in support of a request that Bright Street, Cobden, be declared a main highway, advancing reasons with regard to the extension of vehicle traffic passing through the town. It was agreed to recommend the application to the Main Highways Board for favourable consideration in the special circumstances.

Regarding requests by the Automobile Association for various works on the roads, the Chairman stated, provision was being made on the estimates

for some of the special requirements. In reference to the safety of the eross- - ings at Teremakau- railway bridge a tally was being taken and proposals were to he considered later. The question of road signs was considered, and the heavy cost involved mentioned. The Chairman stated a suitable sign at a reasonable cost was being erected in the Buller district. On the motion of Mr Evans it was resolved in view of the expense involved, to ask the Public Works Department to limit the compulsory erection of the signs to first and second class roads only for the time being. The Chairman reported the Highways Board had now taken over the detour road at Wataroa. THE ESTIMATES—CONSTRUCTION WORKS. Tho Chairman intimated that the Estimate for a new bridge over Waimca Creek, Stafford, was £lll2, but a fresh, survey was proposed before undertaking tho work. An additional £IOO was sot down foi; Horseshoe bridge, Ross road, now nearing completion. With regard to bridges on the Main South Road, the following was elicited

The material for Slatey Creek bridge near Waiho, was now on tho ground, and work of erection would begin next month. Tlie cost of the structure would be £2170. i

The bridges to follow would be McDonalds, £2,000; Red Jacks (near Waiho), £550; McCullough, £I4BO. Other bridges set down on the estimates were:—Vine, £640 ; Minehan I. £350; Minehan II £350; Butlers (Matainui), £650. In Hokitika Borough widening and metalling of the main highway was ap proved on a basis of £ for £. MAINTENANCE WORK.

Teremakau-Ross road, 42 miles: £2900 (last year £2500;, Westland County contribution £420. Special works: Cook’s corner (Tcremakau) £65; widening Waimea-Staf-ford £250; 16 mile peg bridge, £230; traffic signs £2OO (30s for 20s). Ross-Wailio road, 69 miles; £IBOO (last year £4,110), Westland County contribution £690.

Special works : Concrete pipes £2OO ; Inutile widening £150; Mt. Hercules widening £350; La Font nine bridge (main road) £330; traffic signs £2OO (30s for 20s). Kumara-Otira road, 42 miles: £3OBO (last year £2080), Westland County contribution £-120. Special works: Bridges (2), Harris £500; Wainiliinilii bridge, £325, Otira bridge £300; traffic signs £l5O (3(Ts for 20s). The usual estimates to Ross, Hokitika, and Kumnra boroughs at 30s to 20s on local mileage was approved, v SECONDARY HIGHWAYS, WESTLAND. Kokatalii-Koiterangi, £BOO road; £2OO bridges; 30s for 20s. Upper Kokntalii: £l6O road, £95 for bridges; 30s for 20s. Lake Kanieri road, £530 road, £l5O bridges; 30s for 20s. £65, 30s for 20s, was set down for road traffic signs. The estimates for the Duller, Inangaliua and Grey Counties also were considered and approved in accordance with, the schedule presented. TOTAL OF ESTIMATES. 'Total of construction for district £22,400 'Total of maintenance 73,000 Total of maintenance, local bodies 9,900 £105,300

The total maintenance sums asked last year were £49,000, whereof £39,000 was spent. Increased revenue from the petrol tax is now available for the roads. The District Engineer’s annual report was read and approved. It indicated the following costs ■ for road maintenance of' main highways : Buller County, by local body, £7l and £B9 per mile; by Public Works £ll2. Inangahua County, by Public Works, £BS and £79. Grey County, by local body £ll3. Westland County: by Public Works, £6l per mile Teremakau to Ross; £59 per mile, Ross-Waiho; £6O per mile, Jvumara-Otira. The Council gave special approval to extra grants for road improvements through the borough of Brunner where the road is narrow and dangerous. The meeting concluded at 10 p.m.