PERMANENT ROADING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4594, 6 August 1923, Page 2

PERMANENT ROADING.

pekapeka-kaikahu area. DISCUSSION OF SCHEME. A meeting of settlers of the Pekar peka and Kaikahu roads was held on Friday to further their good roads scheme. The Lands Drainage Engineer (Mr E. Taylor) and the county engineer were present by invitation. It was explained that foi' about a mile from the Kerepeehi road the Kaikahu road had been formed by the Lands Department. A further 30-odd chains Mr Taylor promised to have formed as soon as possible. The next length of 30 chains was on the Pekapeka road, and would bave to be formed by the county. From there on to the Netherton-Turua road the road was formed. The county engineer, said that the cost to lay .down the road 12 feet wide with bitumen would be roughly £9OOO. He would prepare estimates, for the next meeting of the county council. He pointed out that metal was being landed near the end of the road at less than 10s a yard. The question of transportation of metal was discussed, a|nd the ppinion was expressed that moter trucks would be preferable to trucks and rails. The question of whether a punt should be purchased out of the loan was also discussed, but it was pointed out that ample provision for punts had been made in the county machinery loan proposals. Ample quantities of sand to form a cushion beneath the metal was available alongside the read. It was decided to ask the county council to apply for a Government grant, or a subsidy. It was pointed out that a substantial s,um should be forthcoming, as the road would pass through Crown land, and would also become the main road from Kerepeehi towards Paeroa. There was already available £l5OO of loan money. It was decided'to form a Pekapeka special rating area of all the sections bounding the road. Whether to get the consent of the ratepayers at a poll or by petition was also discussed, and the matter was finally left in abeyance. It was pointed out that if the county machinery loan was not carried the county would not be able to lay down a bitumen road. In that case, it -was suggested that the bitumen part of the work couid be let by contract. Settlers were of the opinion that the road loan proposal would be carried unanimously, as at present the road was unmetalled and practically impassable. Cream cartage was costing 10s a day.