THE HIMATANL HIGHWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3869, 10 November 1928, Page 2

THE HIMATANL HIGHWAY.

TENDERS TO BE CALLED. MANAWATU (COUNTY COUNCIL’S ACTIVITIES. -• fcrv l In conversation Avith Mr. W. E. Barbel’, chairman of the Manawatu County Council, this morning, our representative Avas informed that plans and specifications for widening, shifting and construction of the main highway between the racecourse and Himiatangi, were noAV in the hands of the Highways Board and the County Council was awaiting sanction of same. “As soon as the sanction of the Higlnvays Board is obtained,” said Mr. Barber, “and it should come to baud at any time, noAV, the Council Avill, Avithout delay, invite tenders for the work.” Mr. Barber said the Council had completed arrangements whereby suitable metal would be obtained from Terrace End and the Council Avould undertake the haulage of the metal by rail from Longburn and deliver it where required along the road. -Mr. Barber said this particular metal Avas more suitable for consolidation purposes than that obtained from the 'Ranjgitikei river bed. Owing to the soft nature of certain portions of the highway, i Mr. Barber said it would be somejf time before the road would be suf&s ficiently consolidated for penetratic. Referring to the Whirokino ton road, Mr. Barber said evcrjjj/\/ thing in connection with the proFl| posed deviation from portion of the “ Hooded area, such as the afuisition of land etc., had been settled long ago, but this portion of the main highway presented a very serious problem. The work on this section could not be started until it was known what action would be taken by the Manawatu-Orotia -Rivers Board re the proposed “cut.” It Avould never do, he said, to raise the road from the bridge to the Government drain as this area Avas subject to periodical flooding and scouring, and Avhile negotiable flood water covered the road, a flat surface was safer. To construct a trestle bridge along the area subject to floods, would be too costly an undertaking. In the meantime, continued Mr. Barber, the Council intended to concentrate on the completion of the Foxton-Shannon road and Moutoa bridge approaches in order that through traffic from Taranaki and Auckland to Wellington •would not be compelled to make a Avide detour via Palmerston. Mr. Barber also stated that the punt at Moutoa was now working and should be used by the travelling public instead of traversing the road construction work giving access to the bridge, as such traffic delayed the work of road construction. “The public can rest assured,” concluded Mr. Barber, “that the Manawatu County Council is doing all possible to push on with highways construction throughout the - county.”