QUARRY ROAD REPAIRS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5051, 12 November 1926, Page 2

QUARRY ROAD REPAIRS.

OFFER BY PLAINS COUNTY.

SPEEDING BY MOTOR LORRIES.

The vexed question of adequate repairs to Quarry Road, PaerOa. was again brought before the Borough Council at its meeting last night by a letter from the engineer to the Hauraki Plains County Council advising that an agreement had been made with Mr H. Julian, who was supplying metal to that council, toi pay onethird of the cost df putting Quarry Road in order by forming it up and placing a coating of crushed metal on it before being rolled. The cost of the wdrk was to be shared, one-third each by the Borough Council, the County Council, and the contractor. The Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) said that the council’s share of the cost wduld be in the vicinity of £5O. He thought the basis was an equitable one, and one that would dispose of the road repairs for some time. Cr. de Castro said that the maintenance would go oh just the same, and he did not think the council AVteUld be much better off. Cr. Edwards thought the offer was a very fair one and he moved that the proposals be agreed to. Secdnded by Cr. H. J. Hafie. Cr. P. E. Brenan said he would support the resolution because he was desirous of helping the local industry. However, it was as well to remember that 99 pel - cent, df the traffic on the rdad in question wa.s on account of the Hauraki Plains County Council, from which no heavy traffic license fees or other revenue was received. The Plains Council should see that the borough roads were damaged as little as possible. He thought that damage to the streets would be considerably curtailed if the speed of the heavy motor lorries carting the metal was reduced. Cr. Brenan said that he had frequently seen tlm lorries fully loaded travelling at 25 miles, an hour within the borough. Such a high speed obviously damaged the streets seriously, and the speed was unreasonable and should not be permitted. Cr. Hare said that he, too, had noticed that the lorries travelled too fast. The Plains Council had been prepared to meet .the council with regard to Quarry Road, and he thought that if the Plains Council was acquainted- with the complaint of speeding steps would be taken to warn the lorry drivers to drive slowly in the borough.

The Mayor said that he did not think it was desirable to go cap in hand to the council .and ask it to instruct the drivers to reduce speed. There were borough by-laws, and steps should be taken under them. Little assistance could be expected ’from the police, a,s the one constable at Paeroa already had far too much to do single-handed. The Mayor said that the foreman should be instructed to take action under the by-laws against the offenders, and also seek the co-operation of the police. Cr. J. Pinder said that the lorry drivers in question had no respect for other traffic on the streets, and he feared that an accident would happen if their actions were not checked. If he had his way he would have them put off the streets. The Mayor said that while agreeing with previous speakeife he thought it was not desirable to hamper the local industry.