PLAINS COUNTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4902, 13 November 1925, Page 4

PLAINS COUNTY.

ENGINEER’S REPORT.

The county engineer, Mr F. Basham, reported to the Hauraki Plains County Council on Tuesday as follows

“Hikutaia Quarry.—With the exception of installing the compressor, which is due to arrive in a few days, ■the quarry equipment is complete. It was handed over io the contractor last week. When work was started a small fracture in the bed plate of the motor occurred. This lias been acetoned; and the pla<e will lie in full work again to-day. The Power Board requires us to insital a condenser to bring the motor power factor to unity; also to provide a friction clutch or loose pulley for starting purposes. These matters are being attended to.” At the request of Cr. McLoughlin the engineer gave an explanation of the reason for the excavations on the hillside, and coupcillors complimented him on altering his plans. “Netherton Loan. —Proposals have been submitted for Government grants on Wilson’s, Awaiti, and School roads. Nothing more can be done until toe money is available. 1 have obtained quotations from the Paeroa Quarry Company for a supply of metal at 10s unscreened and 10s 6d screened for 2%hi metal at .the quarfly. These prices are subject to a big enough order being placed to warrant the company putting in a new plant to cope with the work.” Cr. R. Hare advocated securing supplies from Paeroa, and moved tnat the matter be left in t]he hands of the engineer and riding member. The engineer pointed out that there was no money available yet. Tlie clerk was added to the committee, and the: motion was carried. “Graders.—The following roadis have been disced and graded: Kaikahu, Ngararahi Stop-bank, Wairau, Pukahu East, and Pekapeka. This work will be vigorously pushed on. with throughout the county. “Turua-Netherton Loan. — Weak plaees on roads bituminised last year arc being repaired, .and when fiinished T propose- completing’ *the final coat on Huirau and Gumtown roads, thus releasing two more miles of rails. Unless more money is forthcoming work shall have to cease when the above roads are completed.” Cr. Mayn advocated ceasing bitumen sealing the .roads. He did not think the foundations ,were substantial enough anywhere on the Plains. This was supported by Cr. Harris. Cr. Madgwick asked what would be substituted. There was no doubt that if sufficient metal was laid and the work done properly the bitumen roads would stand. The strip near the Turua post office was. pu,t down under the most adverse conditions and was standing. The JTurua Town Board roads had been extended, yet no more metal, had been supplied. There was no doubt that, given a proper depth of metal and proper drainage, the bitumen-bound roads would stand. The engineer had mentioned the Huirau and Gumtown roads, but he was not, in favour of this unless he wasass.ui'ed that there was sufficient money to complete the Turua-Nether-ton road.

“Ngatea Traffic Bridge.—To put two safety bays on the bridge would cost about £25. —Authorised. “Road Classification. —The proposed classification of all principal roads in the county is attached hereto, all roads in the county being declared fourth-class.” The cla'ssificatoiii was adopted.