HIGH WAYS.
To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times,
Sir, —Will the Provincial Engineer be much offended at a few remarks about the new roads that are being constructed on the plains?
The present system of a narrow metalled space in the centre of the width reserved for the roadway, was doubtless the right one when your province was low in funds; but, now that money is abundant, would it not be moss economical at once to adopt the system Avhich must eventually apply to all the main lines of road?
I allude to the system which the rapidly increasing traffic on the main lines imperatively requires, viz., the .whole breadth of nearly a chain forming the roadway. The ditches (not necessarily deep dangerous cuts) are foriried on each side of the chain width, and the material from the ditches moved to the centre, to form a bed for the metal.
Then there is a metalled and not too high crowned a space in the centre of the roadway for heavy traffic—spaces on either side for riders and bullock drdys—and a direct fall for the water from the centre to the side ditches. Whereas, under the present system bullock drays are liable to be shut off the roads altogether—the space on each side of the metal is a mere water trap and very dangerous and tedious for horsemen—and, unquestionably, the narrow crowned road will be sooner worn out than the wider one. .-.',.'._
I therefore advocate the full width system on the double score of economy and convenience to the public; and, assuring you that the present system is the subject of very general disatisfaction to the traveller on these roads, trust that the proposed plan, which (as before stated) must be presently established at great additional expense, may be adopted on the new lines that have to be formed.
I am, sir, &c,
TRAVELLER.
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT18590202.2.18.2
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 651, 2 February 1859, Page 5
Word count
Tapeke kupu
314HIGH WAYS. Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 651, 2 February 1859, Page 5
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.