MAIN HIGHWAYS WORK.

Shannon News, 18 January 1927, Page 2

MAIN HIGHWAYS WORK.

OPERATIONS CLASSIFIED. At the monthly meeting of the HoroAvhenua County Council on Saturday, notification was received from the Main HighAvays Board of the passing of a resolution which provides that where the work on a road is of such a character that it merely restores the road to its original character and standard, this shall be considered maintenance; but Avliere it comprises Avork of an additional character, thereby bringing the road up to a standard superior to the original, then such Avork shall be considered as reeoi structioii, even though there may be no alteration in the location; and that tar or bitumen sealing which, in the Board's opinion, Avill preserve the surface of a road and is economically justified, shall be considered as maintenance. All proposals for initial two coats of tar or bitumen sealing must be submitted to and first approved of by the Board. In accordance with this resolution, tar or bitumen sealing done since December 2, 1926, »vill be subsidised in accordance with the present maintenance subsidy of 30s for £l, subject to Ihe provisions- of the above resolution.

The chairman (Cr. Monk) said that the reason why the "board was making this difference and was contributing 80s per £ for certain work was that it might be economical to tar--seal a particular road and pay that amount as maintenance.

A further letter from tlie Highways Board stated that the Board had now consented to progress payments on claims for maintenance work as well as construction up to 75 per cent, being made prior to inspection. This applied only to individual claims of which the subsidy payable was not less than £lou except in special circumstances. The balance would be paid when a satisfactory report by the Inspecting Officer had been received. —The hitter was received. The chairman stated that the promise contained in it was in response to a request made to the Board when it visited Levin.