MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2757, 12 July 1924, Page 3

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

MEETING OF DISTRICT

COUNCIL. The Council of the No. 9 group, Highways Board met at Palmerston North on Thursday, when Mr J. Hannah (chairman) presided over the following- County representatives: Messrs S., R. Lancaster and A. 11. M. Wright (Kairanga), L. T. McLean (Kiwitea), W. L. Beech (Makara), A. K. Drew (Manawatu), A. Campbell (Oroua), H. W. Smart (Pohangina), G. A. Monk (Horowhenun). A. I. Mackay (Hntt).

Mr Hannah said there had hitherto been no necessity to call a meeting though it was very pleasing to observe that the roads had been gazetted main highways. The only “fly in the ointment” was the fact that the Council was not empowered to borrow money; but the speaker thought that if any action was to be. taken, the No. 9 District should receive as. much consideration as the other groups. What now remained to be determined was what roads it was advisable to bitumenise for many of the roads did not carry sufficient traffic to warrant this _work. 'When the Chairman advanced the question of bitumenous roads, Mr Smart said he understood that a committee was visiting the various districts and giving the matter consideration. Mr Monk explained that it was the proposal of his Council to bitumenise the whole roads through its area: he was of opinion that all roads south of the Manawatu river should be gone on with as speedily as possible. As it was proposed to commence at the south he referred to the roads south of the river only. There were sections equally important in the north. Mr Lancaster expressed the opinion that the flat portions of the roads should be completed first, and that no bitumen he placed on the hills through the danger to horse traffic. Mr Monk: “But the grade would have to he altered.” The Chairman said it would be somewhat awkward to adopt the American method of supplying a road for fast and also for slow moving traffic. Mr Drew explained that in one or two places in the Manawatu County a deviation would be required, while in (lie vicinity of Himitangi the road was unpleasantly close to the railway line. The Manawatu Council, had not considered bitumenising this road. Mr Monk: “The road is a main one, and the fact that the Manawatu County Council has not considered it should not prevent its being done.” Mr Drew: “The Manawatu County Council intends eventually to bitumenise the roads right through, but it is not. quite prepared to proceed with the work at the present time.”

In reply to a question, Mr Drew stated that the piece of road which bore the most traffic was from Awahuri to the Bulls bridge. The Himatangi junction to Sanson stretch was considered as one of the last to be considered.

In referring to the Kairanga County, Mr Lancaster said the Council was prepared to proceed with tlie work right' away. In fact a great deal had been done. The Chairman said the main consideration was to have continuity of the main through road within three years. Of course, the approval of tlie Board would have to he secured before any work was undertaken.

MAINTENANCE COST AND BRIDGES.

Mr Drew asked what the position of bridges was from the point of view of the Highways Council? it was decided, on the resolution of Mr Campbell, that the Main Highways Board be asked for a ruling upon the question of. the maintenance of bridges, and how‘the maintenance was to be collected from the. Main Highways Board. Mr Monk moved that all claims against the Main Highways Board, for maintenance charges be rendered quarterly. Seconded by Mr Beech and carried. Mr Drew also asked the position of the County Councils in regard to main roads which constituted Borough- boundaries. How was the maintenance to be apportioned? - Mr Monk: “That is where the Boroughs will eventually have to come into it.” • The Chairman: “It seems to me they must come in. i will secure a ruling from the Main Highways Board upon the matter.” .