COUNTY WORKS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5088, 14 February 1927, Page 4

COUNTY WORKS.

PLAINS ENGINEER’S REPORT. PROGRESS WITH ROADING. The Hauraki Plains county engineer, Mr F. Basham, reported to the council meeting on Thursday as follows :— “Since the last meeting the weather has been 'favourable, and good progress has been made on all works. NETHERTON LOAN, 1925. “Fisher’s Road. —Metalling on the unmetalled portion is completed and blinding well forward. The old metal has been graded- up, and a further six yards per chain is being added to bring this portion up to a uniform standard with the new work. “School Road. —Metalling is completed and blinding i'si well in hand. Owing to screened metal being used, it wil be necessary to considerably increase the quantity pf blinding. Old metal has been scarified, graded., and rolled, and is now ready for blinding. “Awaiti West Road. —W<’rk on this road is progressing favourably.

“Pukahu West Road. —This road is completed 'from the Awaiti road to Bradshaw’s gate. Formation to the end of the road, 15 chains is finished, but I recommend metalling this portion being held over for a season to enable the. formation to consolidate. “Awaiti South Road. —This mad is completed. “If the. weather continues fine and money is available I hope to complete the whole of the present programme by t.he middle o'f March. Tenders f°r carting red blinding on to the bld main road will be called for the next meeting. MAIN HIGHWAYS. “I would suggest that the most urgent resurfacing work should be commenced as soon as expenditure can be made, in the next financial year. The roads most requiring attention are : Pipiroa ferry to Orongo, Waitakaruru stream to canal, Orchard East, to Kerepeehi earner, Pekapeka to Netherton where clear of proposed stop-bank.” The works committee was ,authorised to undertake the coming season’s maintenance work when funds were available. “Tractors and graders. —These are now working in the Patetonga district, and will work backwards to Waitakaruru and Mangatarata. “Kaihere-Ohinewai Road. —The contractor has commenced metalling on this road. “Kaihere-Torehape Road. —Metalling on the Bush Bend is proceeding satisfactorily. “Mangatarata Bridges.—Plans for the three bridges, authorised have been completed, and proposals will be submitted to the Public Works Department in a few days. “Hudson’s Bridge, Mahuta Road — This bridge is in a very bad state, and is liable to collapse at .any moment. Running planks would probably assist it somewhat, the cost of same being about £16.” Cr. Harris drew attention to the lack of a notice on the bridge pointing out its dangerous state. The engineer stated that notices had been exhibited. He would look into the matter. The running planks were authorised. . “Hikutaia Quarry.—Failing any further demands for metal, the quarry will have to close down next week.” In reply to Cr. Miller the chairman stated that the statement that the Ohinemuri County wanted 1500 yards of metal had proved to, be only a rumour.

“Pekapeka Road. —There is still a half-mile o’f metalling authorised to be done on this road. Contracts for carting are let, and most of the metal is in the dump at, Fisher’s landing. If flpance can be arranged this work shoud been proceeded with at once.” The chairman stated that the balance of the subsidy had not yet come to hand. Some work could be done, but there were not sufficient funds at the present time to complete the work.

The engineer said that the metal had been secured and paid for, but •there were not sufficient funds, to pay for the spreading.

Work as far., as the finances would permit, was authorised. “Pekapeka Water Supply.—-Pump-ing plant is erected and mains, laid. A preliminary inspection far leaks lias been made, and a few minor leaks were discovered. As. soon as< these are cured joints will be coated with hot tar and the trench filled in. The pumping plant appears to be satisfactory, and a quiescent pressure of 501 b is easily obtained. The question of the number of connections to each farm is one that should be dealt with by the council.” In regard to the complaint by a ratepayer that Canadian pipes were being used, whereas t,he contract stipulated British, the engineer reported that he had written to a wellknown Importer, who had replied that Canadian pipes were always regarded as of British manufacture. They were equal in quality and price. In regard to the number of connections to each farm, it was agreed that

the scheme should be given a mo'iith’u trial to see if there was an adequate pressure for the end consumers'.

“Engineer’s House.—This is nearly completed. Outside painting and a few odd jobs only remain to be done. I have occupied the house in a partly completed state since January 29. “Overseer’s House. —The contractors are making slow progress, but hope to have the house read 'for occupation by the end of this month.”