BAD ARTERIAL ROADS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1722, 7 June 1917, Page 2

BAD ARTERIAL ROADS.

THE upkeep of the arteriral roads in this district is a very costly business to the local governing authorities. Trallic is increasing, and the advent of the motor lorry and fast travelling and weighty motor cars scatters surface metal lightly spread in the old style, over the road surface. Between Bainesse and Longlmrn there are innumerable pot-holes, and patches of metal, instead of improving matters, only aggravates the (rouble. The whole length requires remetalling and rolling, otherwise, when the wot season arrives, the roads will be in a very bad state. To do the work thoroughly would cost the iManawatu County a considerable sum of money which would have to be paid by the County ratepayers, who only represent a small portion of those using the road. The metal for this arterial road has to be brought from the Bangitikei river by tram, a very cosily undertaking. The road passes through sandy formation, and when once the crown is disturbed and water accumulates, large holes quickly appear. The County authorities and member for the riding are faced with a diflicult problem in keeping this road in order. A portion of the upkeep should be met from some outside source, as it is manifestly unfair to compel the county to meet (he whole cost of maintenance. Spreading patches of metal will not do much good, the whole road requires to be remctalJed and rolled. But is it fair to expect the County to be asked to bear the whole burden /