WORKS IN THE COUNTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4576, 18 June 1923, Page 4

WORKS IN THE COUNTY.

ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer (Mr E. Shaw) submitted the following report to the meting of the Ohinemuri County Council last Thursday:— e “ Plans and specifications were sent for approval for forming and culverting Patterson’s Road, Waihi; Hill Road, Karangahake; and Komata to Maratoto Track. Tenders were called during the month for making a deviation on the Waihi-Whangamata Rpad (under grant). Two tenders were received, one being informal, and the other, that of Otto Bjerring,, was accepted. The contract for improving Golden Cross-Te Whariki Track has been completed and now awaits inspection by the mining inspector before the final payment is made. Tenders are called, which close at 2 p.m. to-day* for forming culverting, and erecting a platform bridge on the Ratarua Road, being the Waihi Gold Mining Company’s late tramline, now legalised as a County road,, and for which a free grant of £3OO is available. Although the plans and specifications have not yet come to hand,, I am given to understand that everything is in order. A tag is placed on the work until authority is received. “Victoria Street Bridge Approach, Waihi.—-Word has been received from the assistant engineer, Publip Works Department, that £llO is available for this werk. The work to be carried out as per letter. As the approach has got into ai dangerous state I found it necessary to make some urgent repairs. I intend going on with the improvements when the weathbr is more favourable. Waitokl Bridge, Old Te Aroha Road.—This bridge collapsed during the last flood. The material in same is not fit to replace permanently, but a temporary crossing was made out of the old timber, which will suffice for some time. A grant is asked for, on this year’s estimates for a new bridge. “I found it necessary to place 36 inch concrete pipes on the main Paeroa-Waihi Rpad to act as an overflow in flood time; also 24-inch pipes at the Rising Sun battery for the same purpose.. i wish to bring under your Council’s notice the desirability of having the grade' known as Hennah’s Hill metalled on the Paerpa-Te Aroha lower road. This portion gets very bad in the wet weather and very difficult to negotiate owing to its slippery nature. The distance to oe metalled is 14 chains, and the approximate cost would be £170!. There is a subsidy of £350 on the estimates for this road under, £ for £. The cost to the Council would be £B5. - “ Grants for the current year have been compiled and forwarded to the Public Works Department in conformity with the circular issued. Only the most urgent grants have been applied for.' A liSlf, of the mines grants have also been forwarded. With reference to the grant of £2OO asked for from the Mines Department for making -good the damage to the Maratoto Road, in company with the mjpiing" inspector a visit was made to the locality, and the outcome of his visV is shown on the correspondence from the Under Secretary of Mines Department that will some before you to-day. A visit vtas also made to Golden Cross for the purpose of inspecting the Golden Cross bridges for final payment. “On the 11th inst. the heavy rain brought down another large slip at. Docherty’s creek approach, which blocked the traffic fpr a short period, but. sufficient was Removed to allow traffic to resume. The balance will be removed when time will permit. “ The foundation of the northern end of the bridge over the Patuwhao Stream on the main road near Mang-

aiti lias been washed out. Temporary repairs were carried out until such time as the water recedes, whep permanent,, repairs can be made."