OBSTRUCTING POLES.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 56, 20 November 1924, Page 2

OBSTRUCTING POLES.

MATAMATA-HIN UERA ROAD In Line of Summer Track. Not far out of Matamata, on the Matamata-Hinuera road, which is part of the main highway, there exists an example of the unwisdom of placing electric poles on the roads without reference to the local body governing the district. Within a distance of three or four miles there are four poles standing* right out in the road, half-way between the metal and the fence line, directly in the way of the summer road track. Owing to these obstructions the traffic route now winds in and out to avoid the poles, whereas, had the poles been put the correct distance out from the fence line (three feet), the way would have been clear for the council to grade a straight summer track. This astonishing lack of consideration by the Public Works Department and other powers was referred to by Cr. J. Pohlen at Friday’s meeting of the Matamata County Council. Mr. Pohlen said that he thought the matter should be taken up by the council. The engineer endorsed Cr. Pohlen’s views.

Cr. Pohlen moved that the county engineer and the Power Board engineer meet on the ground with a view to removing the poles, which prevented the local body from using* the full chain width of the road.— Carried. Cr. S. H. Judd considered that local bodies should be consulted when new lines were being erected by the Public Works Department. Councillors considered that the railway reserve was the place for Public Works Department poles.

Cr. H. Rollett commented on the fact that the department carted poles on the roads in winter, to the great detriment of the roads. It was decided that the Minister in charge of post* and telegraphs be written to on the matter.