PERMANENT ROADING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4492, 15 November 1922, Page 4

PERMANENT ROADING.

PLAINS EXPERIMENTAL PIECES. COUNTY COUNCIL'S INTENTIONS. The scheme to put down several experimental pieces of asphalt road on the Hauraki Plains was again discussed at Mondays’ meeting of the Hauraki Plains County Council. The matter was introduced by a letter from Messrs Ellis' and Co-, who wrote saying they had received a report from Mr Skitrop covering his proposition put to tb,e Council at its last meeting with regard to hiring a spraying machine and supervising the laying down of ten chains of reading under the Union Asphalt

penetration system. The company offered the services of Skitrop. and it would also hire for the Council’s use a spraying machine suitable for the work, both free of charge, provided that the Council woujld pay railage or freight on the machine between Auckland and Ngatea. “We understand,” the letter continued, “that you do not wish this' work commenced until after Christmas. By that time your engineer will have his road prepared and metals ready for the construction work. The quantity of union asphalt required to lay down ten chains will be approximately seven tons. Therefore, it will be necessary for your council to instruct us to have this asphalt ordered and delivered in time for the work.” The price of the asphalt was £9 15s per ton delivered c.i.f, and e., duty paid ship slings Auckland, The letter also pointed ou,t that the offer covered only the laying down of; ten chains' of roadway, and further work would be carried but by the Council’s own engineer after the Council’s staff was thoroughly broken in tp the use of the spraying machine, Cr. Harris said the arrangements were for five chains in each riding, and he moved that the clerk advise the company of that fact. Cr, Hayward suggested that the test pieces be put down where there was the heaviest traffic. Cr. Chatfield said that if the ratepayers saw the tarred roads they would want ail the road tarred, Cr, Hayward proposed that the road between the Turua post office and factory would be a suitable piece. I Cr. Chatfield suggested that the road between the Netherton store and school would be suitable.

The chainmail suggested that the ; engineer should be left to decide j where the heaviest, traffic was, and the ten chains of experimental piece should be put there. He thought a piece laid down on the peat and a 1

piece laid down on the clay would be ; best. j It was decided to inform the comi pany that the Council required several strips of five chains in as many ridings as were prepared to pay for the same.