EXPENSIVE ROAD WORK.

Shannon News, 21 December 1928, Page 2

EXPENSIVE ROAD WORK.

FOXTON AND RANGITIKEI LINES.

CONTRACT FOR SURFACING.

At the last meeting of the Kairanga County Council, the chairman (Cr. Jos. Bachclar) reported that he had accepted tenders for surfacing and treating with hot-mix three and a-half miles on Foxton Line and similar distance on Rangitikei Line. The price for surfacing Bangitikei Line from Newbury Line corner to the Oroua River was £8974, while the price for, the work on Foxton Line near Longbiirn was £9163. The engineer reported that the work should be completed on Rangitikei Line in about two months after' commencement, the contractors having an up-to-date‘plant. The work should be begun early in the New Year. Foxton Line would be done later:

The chairman asked for confirmation of his action in letting the contracts. Cr. Small pointed out that the council had already spent large sums on foundation W'ork on the portion of Rangitikei Line now proposed to be surfaced with hot-mix. "When the cost of this foundation work, £1348, was added to the contract price, the work became very expensive. In the long run it would amount to about £4OOO per mile, and they would be facing a burden similar to that of the Hutt Road. The road to Newbury corner had already cost £2400 a mile. Did they propose continuing the road?

The chairman said that that was their intention.

The engineer stated that a large share of the cost would be met by the Highways Board. Cr. Small: I think that when we have finished we will find we have paid for the lot.

The engineer stated that both Taonui and Mangaone Ridings had so far paid £174 towards the cost of 'work on Rangitikei Line. Suitable metal would be harder to obtain for Rangitikei Line, which explained the difference in the cost of the contract prices. The chairman stated that the Highways Board would grant a subsidy of £3 for £1 for the work. The chairman’s action in letting the contract was confirmed.