MANUKAU COUNTY WORKS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 578, 26 October 1920, Page 2

MANUKAU COUNTY WORKS.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. At last Tuesday's meeting of the Manukau County Council, the engineer, Mr. W. J. Lopdell, reported as follows: Mangere Riding. The Bituco plant is now expected at the springs, requiring only a little piping to have it ready for work. Water Service: Several water services have, been installed. We have purchased 12 J 2 in. meters to replace those that are faulty. The foreman has stripped a portion of the quarry, and will make an early start with the quarrying. The grader Will be sent out to Ascot Road as early as the weather will permit. If fine weather prevails a start can be made this week. Piikuranga Riding. Howick Main Road: The Auckland Shingle Company is still supplying shingle. About 500 cubic yards have been received to date. The road from the foot of Miller's Hill to Matson's gate has been icfaced a distance of 41 chains. This shingle does not set down too well under the roller, being too clean. We will, however, have some blinding put on it as s<>on as the lorries can The road from the bridge to Mr. Hattaway's road has been scarified and rc-rolled 103 yards of blinding being used.

Papakura Riding. During the month a further meeting has been held at Wiri re the pro; posed widening of half chain roads leading to the Wiri station, a report of which was taken by our clerk. Cr. Reid and myself had a day around this riding, and attended to several matters authorised. We are holding over one or two matters for further consideration. General surface work has been done on the Alfrfifton, Brookby, Knight's and Ardmore and Papakura Valley Roads, where water-tables and culverts have been cleaned throughout. The trees referred to by the Tel 3graph Department were willows near the Brookby quarry which have, becjj cut down. Papatoetoe Riding. During the month two ratepayers' meeting were held, one at East Tamaki, the other at Wiri. Crs Waters explained the bridge loan proposal thoroughly to the meetings, which expressed their approval of the scheme.

Good progress has been made with the depot shed during the month. Turanga Riding.

Broomfield's Hill, off Maraetai Road: Levels have been taken or, this piece of road. A grade of 11.87 can be obtained by removing 1400 cubic yards at an estimated cost of £l7s.—Deferred for consideration until next meeting.

Clifton Wharf Roads: I have prepa ]F.d plans and estimates for reforming and metalling these roads: Formation, 4000 cubic yards at L's 6d, £500; metal, 3200 cubic yards at 10s, £1610; grading, countersinking pipes and contingencies, £390. Total. £2500. If possible, I will get Mr. Harding to run out and inspect ih homestead bridge at Whitford. Whitford-Brookby Hill: I have ru out "new levels for this hill, and hop that they will come within the sanction of the Public Works Department. Wairoa Riding. 1 have seen Mr. Henderson re th ■ forming of about 25 chains of Hat o Hamblyn's Road, and agreed tha! they should undertake the work a' the price arranged by our chairma; at £5 p'M- chain. I have forwarded specifications also an agreement form, which ha c not yet been signed and returned.

i Ardmore Monument: The roac | fronting this proposed monumen. j has been attended to as suggests by the committee. Ness Valley Road: This road ha been patched up for the present. Brookby and McDonald's roadhave been patched up. A set of 3ft. concrete pipes habeen taken to the Mataitai Road t< Hoye's deviatipn, in readiness for th>proposed work. Parish Line: Little or nothing car be done on this road for a couple o : months owing-to the amount o water. The ditch, which has notbce> cleaned out for a considerable time will be attended to by the settlers The road will then have to be raiser with clay to cover the stumps. A total of 626 yards of metal har been used on the various roads fo l the month.

General. 1 have purchased from Mr. W Cashmore about one ton of light rail: lor reinforcing at U2 per ton.. Bridge Foreman: After communij eating with the different applicants the chairman and I appointed Mr. Holmbly, of Waitomo. Thornycroft Lorry: Word has beer received from Mr. Wooldridge thai he has the lorry finished. The inspector of machinery made his annual call, and ordered light repairs to the traction engine. During the time the traction engine was out of commission, the tractor was used for crushing, and proved a great success. A road broom will be required for tar work at Mangere. I am making enquiries re purchase of same. Building permits amounting to £8570 were issued for the month of September.