BEACH ROAD.

Shannon News, 18 June 1929, Page 4

BEACH ROAD.

NEARLY £4OO SPENT LAS! YEAR £3OO ALLOWIED FOR THIS YEAR, BUT IS INSUFFICIENT. The needs of the Hokio Beach Road were referred to by Cr. Gimblett at the meeting of the Horowhenua Cpunty Council on Saturday. He said that this subject had probably caused more discussion of late than any other in the County. The sum of £25 had been granted by the Levia Borough Council towards putting the road in order, and this bore a Government subsidy tof £2 for £l. The County had made a;grant over and above the vote on the estimates of last year, and he wished to know if the whole of the money had been spent.

The Engineer (Mr Brewster): Yes,

Cr. Gimblett: At the last meeting of the Borough Council, Cr. Falloon questioned whether that money had been spent. The Chairman (Mr Monk): I suppose he has a right to do that. Cr. Gimblett: The Mayor commented that the road was in a rotten state and that any money voted might as well be thrown away, and that they would have to bide their time until it was made a subsidiary highway. The Chairman: The Mayor knew nothing about it or lie would not talk in such a strain.

Cr. Gimblett: He should not say that the money would be as web thrown away. A lot could be construed- out of that. I don’t think he meant as much as lie actually said. When £25 is handed to this County in sympathy with the road, I think this Council is as competent as anyone to spend that money well. There is quite a lot of agitation in Levin over that road, and the members for the Wirokino riding are only too pleased lo meet interested parties and consider any scheme they like to put up. This year we have put £IOO on the estimates for that road alone. That is more than we are likely to get off it. The rates collected adjacent to Ilokio Township last year were £23 5s 6d. That is not-the total revenue, but is from users of the road principally, and I think they are being well catered for by this County. If there is (any other suggestion the'y want to bring forward, I am sure the members for this riding will be only too willing to confer with them to that end. There is a resident —an M.P. —• who has taken the Minister of Public Works out. there, who says the Department may make a grant. ' The Chairman: They cannot. Cr. Gimblett: If that gentleman or the people of Levin can persuade the Highways Board to give us a lump sum to put that road in order, good luck. I am interested in that road and would like, as well as anyone in this district, to see a good road to Hokio! The Chairman. explained that the reply of the Minister, to Mr McDonald, M.P., with regard to improving the road, was to the effect that the matter was under the jurisdiction of the Highways Board and that probably, if the County made application, the Board would take into consideration subsidising by £1 for £1 any money voted for improvements. Cr. Gimblett: They ,do that under ordinary circumstances. The Chairman: They made no provision for reconstruction, of subsidiary highways prior to this year. I am rather .sorrv that members of the Levin Borough Council have taken up the attitude that we have wasted the £25; because nine-tenths of the traffic that goes over that highway is probably Borough, traffic —I may be wrong, Cr.'Gimblett: You are right.

The Chairman: As far as purely County traffic is concerned, I don’t think it. would have a very ill < effect on the road. Perhaps, if they think it is in a very bad state, they might again subsidise it, showing how necessary it is to keep it in condition. It is a long, narrow road, very difficult for motov traffic, and it goes through country that offers very little in the way of rates, and we probably have to bleed more wealth}" portions of the riding to, secure the Government subsidy for that road. Perhaps/ with voluntary contributions, we* may be able to maintain it better in the coming year, but I think we are doing the best, we can with the money available. Cr. Gimblett: I feel that that is being questioned. The Chairman: We arc in the position of controlling the road, and we are .either satisfied or not satisfied that that money has been spent to the best advantage. The Engineer could give some idea of the amount of metal placed on it, and the cost per yard. We cannot give them any more than that. If they say that better metal can be put on at less cost, we might be .willing to let them a contract, to try it. Cr. Ryder: £25 does not go far, and that should be pointed out. Particulars of the expenditure on the Beach Road were given by the Engineer. He stated that last year £BO was placed on the estimates and was expended. The total expenditure was £l3l 17s 4d, including the £25 from the Borough Council, which was subsidised by the County Council by £26 17s 4d. The County Council had not given him any definite instructions, but Cr. Catley suggested that, if it

was possible to squeeze a few exti pounds, it should be spent on the roa and he (the Engineer) did this. Replying to a question by Cr. Gir blelt, the Engineer stated that tl money was subsidised by the Hig ways Board tc the extent of £2 ft £l.

Cr. Gimblett: That means that aboi £4OO was spent on the road? The Engineer: Yes. That was f< the year up to March 31st. Cr. Gimblett: I am very pleased tin you have giver, us that 'statement. The Engineer: This year we hav placed £IOO on the estimates. Tlu will carry £2OO of subsidy, makin £3OO.

Cr. Gimblett: Do yoju think tin that-will keep the road in repair? The Engineer: No, I don’t. Thei are about six miles in the Count; from the Borough boundary.