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Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1928, Page 4

Tim value and virtue of machinery generally, and for road purposes in Particular, have been so well demonstrated’ that jt is surprising to find the Westland County Council deliberating so often and so* inconclusively before reaching a filial decision. At the meeting on Tuesday the Council again grappled with the question of the purchase of a road tractor but as happened on former occasions, a decision was burked and the matter side-track-ed for fwither consideration. The Council appears to he satisfied that it wants a tractor. Members have seen what tJie tractor-grader can do in the way of road maintenance. There is an excellent example of what can ie done on the main highway. Tim members have seen similar machines operating in the adjoining and other Conn-, ties. The literature sent to OounHllors has indicated how some local bodies are not buying a single tractor, but two, three arid even four such implements, and the districts of such local bodies are more circumscribed than Westland. The evidence on all sides is in favour of the tractor as a very useful implement. It seems to be confined therefore to the type of machine to ho procured. Tknm i s ample choice in makes, and seeing the great variety there is, it would hardly appear a mistake could be made if a selection were made off hand. The members indicated on Tuesday that they were out to secure the best value for the cost invo vccl. As a consequence there was some cutting of prices, and in one instance a special cut was made to induce .purchase. The Council in the end resolved to seek lor a demonstration, and the matter is now at that stage though it is doubtful if there will' lie a competitive demonstration. As the matter stands',, the Ccmtcil b marking time again, and useful tine is being lost. With the secondary highways added to the responsibilities, and the need to keep such.roads up to a special standard, it would appear the Council lias need and use for this special machinery. A tractor is adaptable to various kinds of work, a point which seemed 4 to he rather lost night of, yet there are several uses in connection with road work to which such an implement could be put. I should be economical to operate in relation to the value it can give, and we believe that is the chief reason why other local bodies find uses for more than one and often up to four tractors in their read plant It would therefore appear the Westland County Council can hardly do amiss by taking the final plunge at next meeting and ordering - a road tractor for general County work.