COUNTY WORKS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5436, 17 June 1929, Page 4

COUNTY WORKS.

HAURAKI PLAINS OPERATIONS. REPORTS FOR THE MONTH. % The following reports were received by the Hauraki Plains County Council at its meeting on Thursday :— ENGINEERING. The county engineer, Mr F. Basham, reported as follows :— Main Highways. “Pokeno-Waihi.—Good progress is being made with the haunching of metal between Haley’s Corner and Dalgety’s Corner. The road has been kept graded as far as possible. Tenders for redecking the Ngatea traffic bridge, and also for supplies of maintenance metal, closed yesterday. “Pokeno-Thames.—This road has been graded and patched where necessary. “Orongo-Netherton.—The necessary patching has been done to effect temporary repairs, but the road requires more metal as soon as possible. The contractor for Ansford’s Drain bridge informs me that he will have all material on the job and will be ready to start work next week. I have received word from the chairman of the Main Highways Board that the subsidy payable on the proposed bitumen surfacing* will be only £ for £ for penetration or £1 for £2 for surface seal. “Ngarua Swing Bridge.—Applications have been made to the Public Works Department and Lands Department for subsidy on proposed new traffic bridge, but so far no definite reply has been received. I would suggest the advisability of dismantling the swing bridge unless it is repaired. It is dangerous for foot traffic as it is.” Cr. J. Motion said that he had inspected the Ngarua Stream bridge and had formed the opinion that repairs could be effected for a few pounds. He moved, and Cr. Parfitt seconded, that repairs up to £lO be undertaken. In reply to a question the engineer said that he could effect repairs for £lO, but he would hot accept responsibility for the repaired structure. The motion was carried. INSPECTION. The inspector, Mr W. White, reported as follows :— "Complaints have been received concerning a number of trees growing on the sections at the corner of the Pekapeka and Wharepoa roads, and they are considered dangerous to traffic. I have interviewed the owner, and he has consented to remove a number so that danger may be lessened and motorists and other users of the road may see the approach of vehicles at this crossing. Regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act as gazetted on April 4 last have come into operation as to the erection of ‘Compulsory Stop’ signs. There does not appear to be any necessity for the erection of such signs in this county. “Since the last meeting 5 horses and 38 head of stock have been impounded at Ngatea. “Permits for the erection of two garages and one re-erection of cowshed have been granted. Cost £100.” Councillors drew the inspector’s attention to the need for having trees at other road corners removed. Repairs to the Ngatea pound were authorised. FINANCE. The Treasurer, Mr E. O. Mahoney, reported, inter alia, as follows :— “I have to report that Campbell’s Road, Kopuarahi, has now been proclaimed as a public road as from June 8, 1929. The purchase price agreed upon will be approximately £330. This will have to b<S provided for in this year’s estimates. In the meantime this item has been omitted pending the council’s decision. There is now nothing to prevent the council proceeding with the fencing and draining. Provision for the cost of this will also have to be included in the Kopuarahi Riding estimates. “Abattoirs.—l have summarised the procedure necessary for the authorisation and construction of abattoirs in counties. I would recommend that this question be thoroughly gone into by a special committee appointed for the purpose byHhe council:” The receipts for the last two months totalled £3106 4s 2d, being £2275 11s from rates, £296 9s 9d from the Pipiroa ferry, and £lOO from the sale of the Hikutaia quarry. *