WORK IN THE COUNTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4807, 6 February 1925, Page 3

WORK IN THE COUNTY.

ENGINEER’S REPORT. Mr E. Shaw, (Ohinemuri County engineer, reported to the monthly meeting of the council yesterday afternoon as follows:—

"Work was laid off on Ngatitangata Road and Patterson’s Road, Waihi, under grants of £2OO and £l5O respectively, tree money. Plans are now being prepared of same. Authority came to hand for Trig Road, Waihi, £lOO, and Waihi-Whangamata Road £2BB, and the approval of Waimata Road £lOO, all free money, and for which tenders are cauled and close at 2 p.m._ this day. The plans and specifications submitted to the Mani Highways Board for raising the formation at Waitoki have been returned approved.

"The metalling of Station Road, Mangaiti, has been completed. The metalling of Old Te Aroha Road (south end) was being carried out by day labour, but it did not prove satisfactory, arid the balance of quarrying knapping, and carting has been let on cnotract to one of the at 13s 6d per yard.

"The metalling of Hubbard’s Road is progressing slowly owing to the unfavourable conditions. If given 19 days’ fine weather the work would be completed. The metalled portion between Thames Road and the railway is cutting up badly, and will need a fair amount of metal for repairs when the above work is completed.

"Fine metal is at present being put through the crusher for repairs to the surfacing of the various roads. It is my intention, with the council’s permission, when Hubbard’s Road is completed to crush fine metal and place same on the roads requiring it mopu at a distance from the crusher not to exceed the cost of 9s per yard haulage.”

Tn reply to Cr. Johns ; tone the engineer said that about 200 yards of metal were required within a distance of five miles from the Komata quarry.

Cr. Morrison said he did not think the crushing plant should he dismantled until sufficient metal had been crushed and distributed on the roadside to do patching on all. the county roads. Once the metal was on the roadside it could be spread during the winter-.months, and the roads would not be cut up by carting metal during the winter.

Crs; Johnstone and Hubbarff supported the suggestion. It was moved that the engineer be empowered to continue crushing operations until the end of March, when rolling and scarifying could be proceeded with. If more metal was required the roller could be returned to the quarry at a later date. The chairman seconded.

Cr. Johnstone objected on the grounds that the finances of the ridings concerned had to be studied, and the term of. crushing was too long. The resolution was carried. “The work let under- the Frankton Road Joan, Waihi, is about complete] with the exception of some culverts, and as there is a credit of approximately £lB9 I would recommend that the balance, along with the Government. subsidy, be spent on Hie portion most in need of metal in close proximity to the late work and within the special rating; area.” Cr. P. Corbett moved that the engineer be authorised to proceed with the metalling forthwith. Seconded by Cr. Morgan and carried.

‘‘Mr Sutton, a settler on Ford Road, Waihi, made an offer, if the grader was supplied, to reform all that portion of the Old Taurnaga Road between Ford and Waimata roads, being a distance of 80” chains, free of cost. I accepted the .offer, and while the grader was in the vicinity I had several other roads attended to.”

It was decided to extend the thanks of the council to Mr Sutton for his generous offer. “The Abattors, Paeroa. —During the holidays a complete re-surfacing of the concrete floors and other most urgent repairs were made. The floors to-day are in a-better sanitary condition than they have ever been. The work was carried out by Mr W. Forrest.

“I have been notified by the resident engineer of the Public Works Department, Mr May, that it will be necessary to furnish a monthly report on all works connected with the main highways under the council’s control.”