THE DISTRICT ROADS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 325, 28 May 1875, Page 3

THE DISTRICT ROADS.

The late District Engineer, Mr. T. 0. Dennison, reports as under on the roads in the Mount Ida District :~

Palmerston to Manuherihia.—Several important improvements were effected on this road last year. In addition to what has already been done, about four, miles of the road in Shag Valley is greatly in want of being gravelled, only part of which is provided for. Before the deviation at Coal Creek Hill can be taken advantage of, it will be necessary to blind the metal: this should be done before winter sets in. The diversion at the Horn or Sand Hills is not yet complete, a sum being placed upon the present Estimates for its completion. 1 would beg to call your special attention to that portion of the road called the Houndburn or Fluming. A properly pitched and gravelled road is almost indispensable, as the present track is nearly impassable for waggons after a brief period of rain. 1 have accordingly placed a sum under new works for this much-needed improvement. There are also many steep pinches and sidings which could be greatly eased at a moderate expense. Culverts are also much wanted when the vote will admit of them. Kyeburn Crossing to Eden Creek, via Naseby. —A sum will be required for maintenance as previously. Hyde to Hamilton. —The men on this track have been making satisfactory progress. A further sum is required tor completion. Moad to Clark's Diggings. —Several improvements are much wanted. Maseby to Kyeburn Digging*. —A few improvements have been effected here, but the road is still in a very rough condition. Kyeburn Crossing to Diggings. — A contract is just completed, which has materially improved this road. Further attention will be necessary during the winter.

Kyeburn to Maerewhenua, via Pass. —A sum is placed upon the Estimates for the completion of this track, and also for the erection of a light traffic bridge over the Kyeburn, near to the Pass. This bridge is very much wanted, as, in its present state, the crossing is extremely dangerous. Shag Valley to Kyeburn via Macraes and Hyde. —This is a very bad road in wet weather, and a vote is much wanted for drainage and side cuttings, in addition to the regular maintenance. I would also draw your attention to the necessity for a bridge over the Taieri River, near Hyde. Upper Kyeburn to Coalpit. —Several improvements have been made upon this road lately : a little surfacing would maintain it efficiently. Naseby to Hamilton. — The proposed, bridge over the Taieri River is much wanted, which would almost necessitate the diversion of the road on each side of the river. The present crossing is positively dangerous, and not fordable in wet weather. A sum is, therefore, put to account of these works.

Strathtaieri Boad. —A party of men' were employed, in surfacing the road generally.