DRAINAGE TO ROADS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4378, 15 February 1922, Page 4

DRAINAGE TO ROADS.

coljncil’s action wanted. The foilowing letter from Mr J. B. Thompson, .Chief Drainage Engineer, •was read at Monday’s meeting of the Hauraki Plains Council: “As you .are no doubt aware, serious damage iy .being caused to the Plains roads by carters carrying excessive loads on narrow tyred vehicles. The Ngatea-Kerepeehi road in particular is, I understand, already almost beyond repair ,and will require reconstruction. “You will agree with me as to the seriousness of the position, and I would ask you,- in the interests of both your council and this department, to take immediate steps, and, if necessary, extreme measures, to have your by-laws in this direction strictly enforced. You.will have the support of this department in any action you consider ’necessary,. “The question may arise as to the powers of your Council over the traffic on roads under our control, but this is not important in that you control the surrounding roads, and, con* sequently, the traffic must,first pass over your roads before entering Upon ours.

“Existing legislation gives us the necessary powers to deal with this question on roads within the Hauraki Plains area, but the procedure would entail serious delay, and in view of the.urgency of the position your early action in this direction will be much appreciated. k “At the present time, as you are doubtless aware, legislation is being prepared with a view to meeting the desires of your Council re future control of certain portions of the Hauraki’Plains. It would, therefore, not appear desirable for this department to undertake the procedure above alluded to, .especially as your Council will be \juite within your powers at the present time in causing restriction in connection with wheeled traffic.” The councillors were of the opinion that narrow tyres should be blocked, but the Council’s by-laws had not been formulated. 1 It was decided to inform the Department that the by-laws would soon be drawn up.