FRANKLIN COUNTY WORKS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 487, 5 December 1919, Page 3

FRANKLIN COUNTY WORKS.

ENGINEER'S REPORT

The engineer to die Frankflin County Council (Mr. J. T. McArihur) reported as follows at the last meeting : Dedication of Roads, Ostrich Farm.

Ai a previous meeting of your Council, I was instructed to Cornish an estimate of the cost of constructing the roads in the Ostrich Farm Estate. The intention of your Comical, I understand, being to accept dedication of the roads provided, the estimated cost of same was paid over by the Ostrich Farm Company.

The total length of roads to be dealt with is 404 chains.

The whole matter has been gone into thoroughly, estimates of the different roads having been carefully prepared, and it is found that the cost to the County, at the present time, to construct the total length of roads, as mentioned, would be £2296.

This estimate includes all earth, work, supply and erection of bridge, diverting creek, supply and placing of all culverts, and making two small deviations from the present surveyed road. Re Opening of Road, Papakura. Letters have been received from the Papakura Town Board, asking your Council to have the road leading from the main Hunua Road at " "Walker's," to the Papa-kura-Ponga Road, opened and made available for traffic. This matter was left to Cr. Thomas and myself for report. After inspection we found that the cost would be considerable, the expenditure required would be some hundreds of pounds. We are also of opinion that the traffic does not warrant so large an expenditure at the present time. Kiri Kir! Domain. With reference to complain! s received regarding noxious weeds on the Kiri Kiri Domain, Papakura, I have to state that Mr. Wilford, who has a lease of the Domain, has made a start clearing, and intends dealing with the whole area. Settlement Road, Papakura. On inspection, it was found that the road in question is in very bad repair, the grades being excessive and the road generally rough. Before any improvements could be made the noxious weeds would have to be removed. Arrangements have been made for the property owner adjoining the road to have this done immediately. When completed, I would suggest that the necessary formation work be done, to give proper access to the settlers. Deviation of Jericho Road at Easton's. An engineering survey has been made of this deviation, the total length* being 17 chains, including the necessary work on the present road. The total area of land required to be taken, including severance, would be 1 acre, 1 rood, 8 perches, the actual area taken by the road is 3 roods 5 perches, and the severence 2 roods 3 perches. The attached plans show the grades available and the position of proposed deviation in relation to old road. The estimated cost ot construction, exclusive of compensation and fencing, is £«>—]*« to engineer and member for riding to go into with the settlers interested. Red Hill Cutting, PukekoheAka Aka Road.

To secure sufficient filling material to widen road at the foot of the Red Hill cutting, it was found necessary to acquire a small piece of land, one-twentieth of an acre in area. The price arranged with the owner of the land, Mr. J W Hiscock, being satisfactory. Proposed Loan, Mangatangi and Miranda Districts. The settlers at Mangatangi and Miranda propose to raise a Special Loan to provide sufficient money to supplement the grants available for a wharf at New Brighton, and a bridge over the Mangatangi Stream. It is proposed also to borrow sufficient money to gravel the portion of road from the end of the present metalled road at Mangatawhiri to join up with the metalled road at Enock's Flat. The wharf site and approach thereto, at New Brighton, have been laid out, and it is found to be necessary to erect a bridge oyer tidal creek, the length of which will be 40ft. The wharf will require to be 330 feet long. The bridge over the Mangatangi Stream will be 100 feet long, with a truss span of 44 feet in the centrc The estimated cost of these works has not yet been completed, but will be ready during the coming month. I would suggest that the necessary steps be taken by your Council'to take a poll for the amount required to be borrowed for carrying out the above-mentioned works—Suggestion approved.

Pukekohe Waiuku Road. There are a number of rightangled corners on this _ road, which should in my opinion be improved. I would suggest that steps be taken to acquire the

necessary land for this purpose, the area required at each, corner would not. be more than one-tenth of an acre.

An engineering survey has been made of ihe alteration of road at Motley's corner, ihe grade available being 1 in 17. Mr. Robinson has been communicated with regarding compensation for land required, but up to the present no reply has been received.-The engineer's suggestion was approved. Culvert and Flood Gate, Otaua. According to instructions received from your Council, an estimate has been made of a concrete culvert, with flood gate attached, including the necessary walls at either end to prevent -leakage. The estimated cost of excavation, culvert, etc., and removing old culvert, would lie npproximately £45.-11 was resolved that the Drainage Board and the Council bear half cost each of the work. The chairman was delegated to arrange about the Drainage Board's contribution. Plant and Machinery. It is important that steps should be taken to acquire the necessary plant to carry out works in this County. I would suggest that a poll of ratepayers be taken to raise a loan for the plant and machinery, as stated in my report to your Council of the 3rd September, 1919.

The total amount required, including the cost of installing an up-to-date working plant at the Mercer Quarry, would be £15,000. At the present time an extra Austin grader is required. The cost of this is £l5O.

A portable metal hopper has been ordered from Messrs. Anderson's, Ltd., for grading the metal and for metalling new roads. This will make it possible to place the metal in two grades, the first being rolled before the finer coat is applied. In connection therewith it will be uecessary to use a steam roller. Tn the event of your Council not being able to purchase one, I would suggest that the Waiuku Town Board's roller be hired for the summer. I understand it will not be required by the Board for some time. Cr. Wilcox said the matter had not had the attention it should have had. If the metal were rolled it would make a good permanent job. He heartily endorsed the engineer's views. The chairman (Cr. W. Claud Motion) thought the Council should take a poll over the County as soon as possible, and lift the money as required. Cr. I. S. Montgomery endorsed the foregoing. The clerk thought one-fifteenth of a pennv over the whole County would pav the interest and sinking fund. Perhaps a little > extra would be required as security Crs. J. A. Shortt and T W. Woods considered it would be money well spent. > The clerk and engineer were instructed to get the preliminaries ready to put a proposal before the ratepavers early in 1920 ( The engineer was authorised to purchase two new graders at £l5O each, one to go to Awhitu riding, and the matter of arranging with the Waiuku Town Board for the hire of roller, if required, was lett in the hands of the chairman.

Old Whangarata-Tuakau Road. The portion of this road, from Mr. Dvr.es Fulton's to Brown s Road, is in bad repair, and should receive attention. I would recommend that £25 be expended on the reformation of this road the length of same being about 4U chains.

Waiplpi Wharf and Sibley's Bridge.

Arrangements have been made to do the necessary repairs to the above wharf and bridge. The wharf is to be redecked where necessary, handrails and tramway fixed, new fender piles put on. atid general repairs to the wharf shed. The bridge piers are to be replaced with concrete, and two harwood stringers put it, # and the bridge generally put in good order.

Great South Road, Pokeno to Mercer.

The hill portion of this road is in very bad repair, and requires the metal removing and grading to the centre; in addition to this fine scoria or metal would be required to give the road a good surface. - ~ I would suggest that the Railway Department be again approached regarding the ballast on the abandoned portion of railway near by. This material could be carted on to the road for a few shillings per cubic yard. I might mention that there is a Government subsidy of £75, £1 for £l, available for improving the portion of road in question.—lt was decided to put the work in hand as far as the money will go, and to writethe Railway Department re scoria.

Contracts Let and Previously Advertised.

Since last meeting, contracts have been let for the following works, viz.:— Contract No. 877—For the supply and delivery of 100 cubic yards of spawls, Bombay-Paparata Road. Contractor A. L. Stokes, contract price £4B/15/-.

Contract No. 381.—For the supply and delivery of JOO cubic yards of spawls, Bombaj'-Paparata Road. Contractor A. L. Stoke*, contract price £4B/15/-. Contract No. 392.—F0r forming and culverting 1 mile. 37 chains. 37 links of the Karaka to Papa-kura-Waiau Road Block Bridge, to Coster's comer. Contractor T. IT. O'Brien, contract price ff>o2 17 0. Contracl No. -Wl For the supply and delivery of IUO cubic yards of spawls. Opaheke Main Road, at Eccles*. Contractor John Donolioe. contraci price. 141 5/-.

Contract No. 4<Mi. For tin supply and delivery of t?IM.I eul>i< yards of spawls Ureal Soul I Road. Bombay, ,to Rahia Kama. Contractor (i. Pulmun. "ontraet price £65. Contract No. 407. For carting and stacking" of spawl.s ;it Glasson's Upper and Lower Lauding. Contractor I*. Lindesay, contract price £375. Contract Xo. 407.- -For tlie supply of 2000 cubic yards of spawls at Paerata. Contractors, C. H. Bridge, and J. E. Phillips. Contract price £SOO. Contract No. 401.—For quarrying and spawling 500 cubic yards of spawls at Murphey's Quarry, Purapura. Contractor J. Fraser, contract price £ll2/10/-. Contract for the supply and delivery of 300 cubic yards of spawls at McElwain's Corner, WaiukuAka Aka Eoad. Contractor P. Parry, contract price £135. Contracts Advertised.

Tenders were invited, returnable up to 12 noon on Wednesday the sth inst., as follows: Contract No. 396.—F0r the supply and erection of a pile and stringer bridge of two spans of 25 feet each, and construction of approaches, situated on the Drury to Jesmond Estate Road, Hingaia Stream. No tenders received. Contract No. 397—For forming and culverting 1 mile, 36 chains, 76 links of the Pukekohe-Paerata Road Borough Boundary to Paerata. Tenders recived from S. Caddv Price, £462 'l2,'fi: T. M. Short, £624/5/9. Contract No. 398—For forming and culverting 1 mile, 10 chains of the Paerata to Helvetia Road. and Helvetia to Pukekohe Road. No tenders received. Contract No. 399—For forming and culverting 30 chains ot Charles Road, Karaka. No tenders received. By authority ot the Countv Chairman, the tender received from T. M. Short for Contract No. 397 was accepted. Tenders were also invited, returnable up to 12 noon on Saturday, the 22nd inst, as follows : Contract No. 402—For forming and culverting 26i chains Watt s Hill Deviation, Kariotahi. Tender received from John Goulding. Price £ll2— Accepted. Contract No. 403.-For carting and stacking 1500 cubic yards ot spawls from Grimmer's Quarry. Waiuku. Tender received from Fraser and Braun. Price 4/- per cubic yard. £3OO. Contract No. 404.-For forming two pieces of the Otaua to Maooro Top Road. Total length, 35* chains. No tenders received. " Contract No. 405.-For the erection of a lOff. span bridge (labour onlv) on Lees' Gully Deviation, Waiuku-Awhitu Road. No tenders received. The estimated cost of Contract No. 402 is £lO5. . As regards the tender received from Messrs. Fraser and Braun for contract No. 403, 1 consider the price excessive, and would suggest that the tender be rejected. Contracts Previously Entered Into. The following contracts have been signed by the contractors. and now require the common seal of the Council and the signature of two members. Contract No. 384—For the supply and delivery of 100 cubic yards of spawls, Waiuku to Drury Road, near Glenbrook Hall. Contractor B. H. Wymer, contract price £75. Contract No. 391.-For forming and culverting 2 of the Papakura Waiau Road, Te Hihi School towards Papakura. Contractor T. H O'Brien, eon tract price £694

Contract No. 392.— F0r forming and culverting 1 mile, 37 chainx, 37 links of the Karaka to WaianPapakura Road (Black Bridge to Costers' Corner). Contractor T. H. O'Brien. Contract price £GG2 17/9. Contract No. 30:}.—For forming and culverting 70 chain" ot \\ ai-uku-Awhitu Road. Lees' Cully Deviation. Contractors 11. Ashworth and Jas. Westhead. Contract price £470 17 9. Contract No. 394.—F0r forming and culverting 40 chain.- of the Hall Chain Road. Hal n-\ ille. Contractor W. B. Cos. Contract price £«l 4 -. Contract No. 4'HI. I'm the -apply of 3K)O cul»ic y.n-U ot -pawlat I'aerat.i. Contractor- C. 11. Bridge and •!. It. I'hillip-. <'<•"- tract price t'-VM). Teams' Plants. The No. 1 Team's IManl present engaged forming alio erallv preparing «"»' I'aHini Waiau Road for metallm would o-timate that • r »tloH yards of metal will 1"' put O! load during the presetil sumi The No. 2 Team'.- I'laiit paged reforming and imp' the Great South Road, he it- out on tin

Runniman and Papakura. I would recommend that at least four horses be added to these two plants, as it is impossible to rope with the necessary work with the team* available. Crushing, Hauling and Rolling Plant. The No. 1 Plant i< crushing :it the Karaka Quarry, and will be proceeding: i<> the I'alumahoeWaiau Road when the road formed ready for metalling". Tin- No. 2 Plant is engaged improving - and rolling portion of the Great South Road, between Papa-

cultv iii

ho handed in, drawing to the Mate of the road en the main Buckland IJoad Pukeknhe Hill Kowl.

After inspection it was decided to recommend that the sum of £75 be expended on formation this summer, provided, however, that the noxious weeds are removed from road by the adjoining settlers.

It was decided to reply to Air. Bilkey, stating that the Council was prepared to expend £To on formation work this summer. when the noxious weeds were cleared. The report was approved and adopted.