ROADING MATTERS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 299, 7 August 1917, Page 4

ROADING MATTERS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY.

At the meeting of the Franklin County Council last Thursday the County Engineer (Mr J. F. McArthur) reported as follows: Propose'! 'overhead bridge way) Pukekoho-Paerata road.—The District Engineer of Public Works has informed rne that the idea of erecting an overhead bridge as originally intended has been abandoned. The embankment lias been completed and the Department intends to metal the road for a distance of one chain each side of the crossing. Proposed loan. -The settlers interested in the Rama Rama to PukekohoEast road via Kearn's have intimated that they are desirous of forming a Special Rating area and raising a loan to form and metal this road, I would suggest that the matter be gono into and the necessary procedure be taken to comply with the wishes of the settlers within the proposed area. Sutton's Bridge, Bury.—During one of the recent floods this bridge was washed out. It was found necessary to erect a temporary bridge in the meantime. A new bridge will, however, bo required in the near future. The cost of the same will be upwards of £IOO. Ararimu Road. For several months past the portion of this road which comes under the construction of the top portion of Pratt's Hill deviation, has been in an exceedingly bad state. The worst portions have now been fascined and everything done under the circumstances to enable traffic to pass with as little inconvenience as possible. Other portions of this road are also receiving attention.

Keoghs Bridge, Waipipi —This bridge collapsed and is now quite unfit to carry traffic. Timber is on order to mako it passable, although when completed tho bridge will not be all that might be desired, It will, however, carry tho traffic for some considerable time and until funds are available to erect a better structure.

Hunua flood damage.—Proposals have been forwarded to the Public Works Department for widening portions of the Gorge road in places where it has been washed away on the lower side. The work is estimated to cost approximately £IBO. To meet this expenditure there is a Government subsidy of £SO. Considerable damage has been done to the Gorge road of late. Fifteen men have been employed during the month clearing away slips to enable the tralhc to pass with safety. Hunua to Paparimu road—Damage has been caused to the bridge between Hunua and Paparimu. After infection it has been found that tho pile piers will havo to be bracod and now wings put on the western end.

Maintenance Generally —Ararimu to Paparimu: A small bridge was damaged and has now been repaired. DcDonwtdl's bridge and school bridge, Rama Rama, have been reconstructed. The former has not yet been completed owing to the quantity of water in the creek. Some repairs to Mercer Hill and scrub clearing on the Koheroa road, Mercer Riding, has been carried out. A road and outfall drain on the Tramway road in tho Pukekohe riding have been cleared making a great improvement in the drainage of the road Arrangements have been made for further improvements to this road in the near future. Owing to tho contiuual wet weather the metal roads in many parts of the County are not in as good repair as might be desired but everything has been done with ike material available to keep them as good as possible Owing to tho large area of tho Waiuku Hiding it was found necessary to appoint a surfaceman in the Glenbrook district. A considerable amount of ordinary surface work has ben carried out throughout the county dealing slips, watertables, etc.

Crushing Plant During the month the plant has been operating on the Pukckohe-Waiuku road and Drury district where it is at the present time. Tho report was adopted.