METALLING OF ROADS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5123, 9 May 1927, Page 2

METALLING OF ROADS.

DISPOSITION OF WORKMEN.

POSITION OF OHINEMURI COUNTY

With regard to the metalling of certain roads in the Ohinemuri County Cr. W. F. Johnstone said at Thursday’s meeting of the council that it would be more economical to have the metal spread as it came from the hoppers and was carted out by the lorries instead of having it dumped on the roadside, to be spread as required. The speaker said he did not approve of the system of “flying gangs” being engaged on road repairs. He favoured one or two roadmen being permanently employed on definite portions of certain roads, instead of rushing about all over the county. The spirit of pride was engendered if a man had a definite, section to maintain and care for. A competitive spirit was also created, and it redounded to the benefit of ratepayers and was a credit to the riding. He was not concerned with tlic main highways—the feeder roads were of chief concern to most ratepayers. In fact, he, thought that far too much was being sacrificed for main highways. ' Cr. R. .R Morrison agreed, and said that the council’s method of, doing repairs and maintenance was becoming hopelessly out of date, and some reform was desirable, and the sooner it was brought about the better for the ratepayers. The suggestion to spread the metal direct from the lorries was all right, but it would increase the cost of metal by added, cartage. charges. Cr. Johnstone said he thought that the extra cost for cartage would be saved in the waste of metal that could be avoided. Cr. F. C. Hubbard said he understood that whe.re any quantity of metal was required on a road it was spread direct from the lorry ; in fact, he had seen it done, Cr. C. E. Mace considered that if the roadmen were given a definite piece of. road difficulties would arise when men were required on a hurryup job in another riding.

It would require a good deal of extra money to finance the suggestion made by Cr. Johnstone, was the opinion of Cr. A. R. Robinson.

The chairman (Cr. H. M. Corbett) said that he. did not think it would mean employing more men, but that the present staff employed should be given a definite area to take care of, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of the engineer. It was resolved tp refer, the matter to the engineer to go into and bring down a report for the next meeting.