MAIN HIGHWAY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5513, 13 December 1929, Page 2

MAIN HIGHWAY.

HAURAKI PLAINS SECTION. DISCUSSION ON REPAIRS. The Hauraki Plains county engineer, Mr F. Basham, reported at yesterday’s meeting of that body that the grading of the clay haunching on the Plains section of the Pokeno-Waihi main highway had been completed as far as weather would permit. A few days’ work when the sides of the road are really hard should make a very satisfactory job. Constant grading of metal had been carried out, and with the exception of that portion of the road between Haley’s Corner and the Waitakaruru Canal this highway was in very fair order. He was afraid that if some more of the top coating was not applied to that portion of the road referred to it would not stand the summer traffic. The surfacing with Bryant’s shingle was completed between the Waitakaruru Canal and Dalgety’s Corner. Cr. Harris urged that 400yds of shingle be procured for the Waitakaruru road to Haley’s Corner, as recommended. Provision would have to be made to pay the account next financial year. Members agreed that the work was necessary, but Cr. Madgwick objected to the gravel, which it was suggested should be used, and also to breaking into next year’s finance. In reply to a question the engineer said that tests made by the Public Works Department showed that Wharekawa chips were most suitable for a running surface for roads. Bryant’s gravel was next best, and Winstone’s gravel was third, with red metal beyond consideration. The chips were unprocurable until after February, as the Lands Drainage Department was taking the full’output. To test the feeling of the meeting Cr. Harris moved, and Cr. Motion seconded, that 400yds of Bryant’s gravel be procured, payment to be made after March. Cr. Madgwick moved as; an amendment, and Cr. McDuff seconded, that tenders be called for 400yds of metal for surfacing. This amendment was supported only by the mover and seconder. Cr. Hale moved as another amendment that the matter. be referred to the Works Committee, with power to act.

This amendment, seconded by Cr. Madgwick, was also defeated, and the motion was then carried, the voting being : For, Crs. Harris, Parfitt, and Motion; against, Crs. Hale, Madgwick, and McDuff, the chairman’s casting vote being for the motion.