GRAVEL OR BITUMEN?

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 670, 23 May 1929, Page 16

GRAVEL OR BITUMEN?

HAMILTON-NGARUAWAHIA ROAD INCREASED SUBSIDY WANTED (From O.ur Own CorrespondentJ TE AWAMUTU. Wednesday. The question of maintenance of the Hamilton-Ngaruawahia Road again came before the Waipa County Council, 011 Wednesday. An increase from A 3 to ill subsidy to one of £4 for £1 IS desired by the county. A letter was read from the chairman of the Main Highways Board, regretting that the county could not see its way to accept the board’s offer, and urged the county to take the matter very seriously. <Tho board urged that a system of maintenance with gravel be commenced before the end of this month. In answer to a question, the engineer said gravel surfacing was “too lively.” The only solution was bitumen. Cr. Livingstone said he was n6t satisfied. The Highways Board had not yet declined to contribute a £4 subsidy for £l. The county could not “sit tight” for ever, but if the board would not give that subsidy, Parliament should be asked to force the issue. His ratepayers would certainly not sanction a loan to raise money if the board’s subsidy is not £4 for £l. Crs. Fisher and Peacocke (together): Mine, too! ft was decided to ask the Highway Board for a definite statement in respect to the definition of permanent work and maintenance. Cr. Church opposed the motion, contending that the board should be definitely asked for a subsidy of £4 for £l. If this was refused, the council would know its real position.