TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 4, 15 January 1915, Page 4

TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.

Comprehensive Scheme Suggested-

Consulting Engineer's

Views.

At the Waiuku Town Board meeting on Monday, the chairman, Mr K. T. Reid, expressed an opinion that the Board should decide what scheme they required their- • engineer to take in hand. He thought they should have the permanent levels taken and get a plan of the district; also they should get the engineer's opinion of what he thought should he done. Mr Walters agreed that the Board wanted a plan of the district. Mr Barriball thought they should get an estimate cf what it would cost to complete the works required in the tuwn area, including roads, water, drainage, etc. Mr Lockie Gannon, at the chairman s i''.q'lest, proceeded to address the Board. He said he had been pleased to go over the district with the member* and point out what he considered would be the Lest scheme in the interests of the Board. In the first place, for a new Board like Waiuku, it was absolutely essential that they have a map of the district. He proceeded to explain the difficulties of preparing this, also indicated the great value of same to the Board, when available, in regard to collection of raten, etc. As regards future subdivisions a duplicate plan of same must be deposited with the Board, trom which the map could te brought up to date everv quarter or six months. He could not emphasise too much the necessity for'the map.

The next question was that of getting the permanent levels of the distiict. In this connection he would submit a proposal similar to what he had done with other local bodies in the Auckland district. He proceeded to explain the value of getting the levels, advertising same, and allowing people to object if they desired, and indicated the great saving to the Boprd iu regard to compensation claims.

The cheapest and most economical way to go about it was to have],' a scheme formulated to include the whole district. If only o.e portion was dealt with the ratepayers in the other area would oppose a scheme and vice versa. In th? main streets ample provision should be made to cany off -storm water, Kerbing and channelling were also necesary, and he would suggest a macadamised road with a good foundation. When the rosd was properly set be advocated tar spraying, which was proving of great benefit. For the side streets he did not suggest work similar as fjr the main streets.

As to the permanent ievels it was for the Beard to say what streets they were required in. He had a large staff and it did not matter to him whether there were six miles or ten milas to take iu hand.

Continuing, Mr Gannon instanced a division of the streets into three classes, and outlined the different treatment he considered ' necessary. He refered to the mistakes some lojal authorities had made, and hoptd the Waiuku Board .would benefit by his advice aod his experience. He advised the Board to have a comprehensive scheme of desirable works prepared in conjunction with tte taking of permanent levels, whether such work was gone on with in the near future or otherwise.

The Board took Mr Gannon's suggestion of proposed works and remuneration in committee.

On resuming, the chairman said he thought Mr Cannon had put the matter before the Board very clearly. The Lest thing was to get the levels, a map of the district, and also a scheme of works required. In reply to Mr Cribble, the engineer said it must be understood that he would carry out any scheme the Board adopted, which he was instructed to prepare under the terms outlined.

It was agreed to accept Mr Cannon's proposals for a scheme of w rks as indicated by him.