HAURAKI PLAINS COUNTY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5041, 18 October 1926, Page 1

HAURAKI PLAINS COUNTY

ENGINEER’S REPORT. The Hauraki Plains county engineer, Mr F. Basham, reported for the month to the council meeting on Thursday last as follows : — “Hauraki Road.—The botto# course of metal is completed to the boundary of the lohn area. It is being rolled and blinded with sand. Work on this loan must now cease until the subsidy, for which claim has been made, is received from the Public Works De partment.”

Cr. Madgwick commented that a satisfactory job had been made. It was regretted that funds did not permit the completion of the work along Kerepeehi Roajd. He stated that it was advisable not to commence the bitumen sealing until well into the season. This would permit the foundations to consolidate. “Bitumen Roads.—A trial has bee;n made with ‘Laycold.’ So far the results appear satisfactory, and with further experience in its use would probably be better. Taking into consideration the difference between the cost of this and the ordinary hot mix bitumen I cannot recommend its further use until the price is much lower. “The worst places on the TuruaOrongo and Orchard East roads have been repaired. Further repairs will be effected as weather permits. "There was not sufficient ‘Laycold’ left to try an experiment as a, seal dn macadam roads.”

In reply to a question the engineer said that bitumen covered three times as much road for less than double the cost.

“Tractors and Graders-.—Work on clay roads was commenced s°me three weeks, ago, but I am afraid this has all been undone, owing to recent continuous rain. As soon as the weather takes up work will be; vigorously pushed o'n. “Hiku.taia Quarry. —The output for the month landed ip the county was. 1206 yards. The cost of production is still satisfactory. Considerable repairs have since been effected to the crusher, and metal at present coming to hand is much betted crushed.” In reply to a question the engineer said that metal was now being put on the punts at 7s per yard'd "Netherton Loan.—Everything is in readiness to staj’t metalling as sPon as the roads are in fit condition.

“Main Highways.—The bulk of maintenance for the yeiar has been completed. Work between ndw and the end of ithe year will consist of casual 'raking .and patching. “Petrol Pump.—Mr Dent has complied with all reasonable requirements and ,a permit can now be granted. “Old Plant. —The question of dealing with old, disused plaint, such aS steam engines, small crusher, hopper, timber, etc., might bq referred to the Works Committee for decision. —Referred as recommended for a report. The report was adopted.