Engineer's Report.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 490, 15 July 1919, Page 1

Engineer's Report.

The Engineer (Mr W.J. Lopdell) reported as follows at tlie last meeting of the Manukau County Council: MAXIiKHE KIDIXi:. During the past month Councillor Howse and myself measured up all the roads in this riding in connection with our loan proposal. We find that there are about 2!) miles of road, and the width varies from 10ft to 12ft. at the Man gore bridge. We have decided to make l'2ft the minimum wi<Hh, and will have to retain tii" •■xis'ing wnitli on nil the main roads. The estimated cost of completing these roads in tar macadam is £;50,000.

The motor lorry is engaged in this riding hauling metal for the Road Board The water-tables are being attended to on Massey road. FAKURANGA RIDING. The roller has been engaged in this riding most of the month. The main Howick road has been done up as far as the metal would permit. We used 69 yards of shell from near the Panmure bridge, and about 150 cubic yards from the quarry, besides what metal was on the road. , In places, this road is very thin, and require attention before another winter comes round. The sides of the road have been combed off with the grader, also some water-tabling at Church street. A few more days will complete the footpath to the Howick wharf.

I'APAKU HA UTDINCf. Foieman Lucas has been doing good work during the wet speii of weather, attending to water-tables, patching, etc. Cr lieid and I inepectod ths I'uriri Park road, and we find that one section of several chains has cut up badly through the sc.,riu. This section requires from 2") to 30 yards of scoria to bring it uniform with the rest of the road. A considerable portion of this road is unfenced, and is suffering accordingly, owing to stock recrossing same. The Chairman, Crßeid, and mygplf spent some time with Mr Collie re his drainage troubles. We find that lie is unfortunately situated between property owned by Mr Fitzpatrick on the upper side and the same owner on the lower side. On' Mr Collie's own admission, oyr road culvert is large enough, the failure being the outlet from the culvert to the creek, which affords very little fall. Personally, I think a lot of trouble would be overcome if the main creek was cleared of all the willows and growth during tho summer. Mr Davis, who has a property opposite Mr Collie's, on the same road, has asked the Council for a culvert on an unformed road, to give him access to his property. This unformed piece of road is about five chains, covered with gorse, and unfenced. I would suggest that before any money be spent on it, that it be grubbed and fenced. I am not at all certain that the road in question is dedicated. Estimated cost-Forming, £ls; culvert, £l6; total, £3l.

PAPATOF.TOE HIDING. General surface work has been carried out throughout the riding, a considerable amount of patching and water-tabling having been done. The crushing plant has been set up at the depot, in readiness for crushing operations. Messrs Blank and Hoye have been out to the Turanga riding to insert two culverts. Cr Waters and I took a run over many of the roads coming under our control, and we find they are very thin, and will require immediate attention.

TURANGA RIDING. A 10ft bridge on Mr Brownhill's road has been replaced with 30ft of 4ft pipes. A cut from the outlet of the pipes to the creek will give the water a free run, and make the road safe at this point. A 9in pipe culvert has been inserted on the back road to the quarry. Jarrah posts have been sent to the Clifton wharf, to repair the footpath leading from the (Jhfton road to the wharf This work will be put in hand as soon as a suitable man can be obtained.

WZIKOA RIDING Tim grader has been working in this riding during the month, where it is still engaged. The wot weather neventt (1 us from completing the Mnitaitai Road metalling. The earthwork at the Npss Valley Jioad and the fascines have been completed by Mr d, Munro. There i.s still about tnroH chains of metalling required to carry on to the top of the grade ,nt Ni's.s Vallny ; this and the rest of the original contract trill bo carried out as tlio weather permits About I HA yards of metal has been carted mi' by t"ams and motor lorry during the n.onth for dilTerent roads. o F.N KIM I, A deputation consisting of our chairman, ( r House and myself waited on the Minister of l'ublic Works re grant for the coming year. The Crown wheel ou the motor lorry broke dining the month and has been repaired. The crushing plant has been done up and is ready for action again. I have arranged for the sale of the side car to i\lr Moo of Papatootoe for £ll. Tho report was adopted.