COUNTY ENGINEER'S REPORT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8510, 14 August 1907, Page 7

COUNTY ENGINEER'S REPORT.

The County Engineer submitted to the meeting of the Master ton Council, yesterday, the following report on the works within the County for the last month: — Opaki Riding.—Upper Plain Road, contract No. 128, delivering 580 cubic yards of metal, is reported completed by the contiactor, and the additional supply of 55 cubic yards. Lansdowne Road —Repairs to the extent of 200 cubic yards on the weaker portions of the metal surface have been effected. I beg to direct the Council's attention to the action of the occupier, J. Barr, of section 1, Raglan Street, who is obstructing the natural watercourse and impounding the water on to the road, much to the inconvenience of pedestrians. —The Engineer was instructed to open up the water course at once. Opaki District Road —Mr S. Harding reports the delivery of about 100 cubic yards of metal, the carting of which he offers to contribute, and also agrees to further contribute £lO towards surface repairs, providing the Council will supplement the amount. —The Council decided to expend £ls in surface repairs. In company with Councillor Harris I examined the culvert complained of by Mr R. Buick. It is in a delapidated state and I would recommend that it be replaced by three feet diameter cement pipes—approximate cost £2O. — The matter was left in the hands of the representatives for the Riding and the Engineer. Rangitumau Riding.— Bluff to Sangitumau Road Some urgent surface repairs have been effected to this length, and the renewal of a two-foot by 27 foot culvert at the junction of the Kaka-amu Road. Northcrofts Road—The timber has been carted for the construction of the culvert at the wash-out. As the " wet condition of the ground is so unfavourable to carting operations I would recommend that the work be left over until the ground is drier. — The recommendation was adopted. Kopuaranga River—Mr Manning's complaint—l inspected the river through Mr Manning's property, and j concur with him that the construction from the willow growth has a j detrimental effect lo the road surface, | inasmuch as the increased overflow greitly damages the surface oftLe road by scour. Mr Man: ng intimates that he is prepared to perform his half of clearing obstructions providing that the opposite side is dcre simultaneously. I think the woik should be prosecuted at an early date. —lt was resolved to ask Mr D. McLachlan to cut the willows on his RRe of the stream. Te Whiti Riding. —Manaia Road — Repairs to the unmetalled length of the above road have been made. Mr Pond, having given the metal from his pit, and contributed eleven days with a double team, has greatly expedited the carrying out of the work. —A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Pond. Te Ore Ore.—As directed by the Council I have had the approach to the School ground improved by metalling. In view of large quantities of metal being required on the Weraiti and other roads, I would direct the Council's attention to the necessity of acquiring a suitable gravel reserve, provision having been made for it on the annual estimates. Should there be no other site more favourable, metal can be obtained by the extension of the ' southern and western boundaries of the old reserve.—The matter was left in the hands of Crs Morris, Toogood and the Engineer, WainuiorU Riding. BlairlogieEast Coast Road— Carswell-Beau-maris section of this road has been severely cut up this season.- The increased traffic of recent years demands a better class of road. The main length of this road has been formed only twelve feet wide, consequently the traffic is limited to the one rut, which it is impossible to keep in repair with the class of metal available. It has been necessary for tha protection of the metalled length on the flac east of the Waihora Hill, to cut a drain and embank on the upper side to divert the water for a distance of about twenty chains. Homewood - ICawhata Road— The balance of the loan and grant has been expended in partially forming a dry track on three quarters of a mile of the heaviest portion of the formation. I estimate that £3OO will be required to carry the formation through to Homewood. —It was decided to apply to the Government for a grant to cairy out the work. Weraiti to Brancep'eth Road, contract No. 109, McMullen Bros.—On my last inspection of the 3rd instant nothing had been done since last meeting towards remedying defects and completing this work. I recommend, therefore, carrying out the work by day labour.—The recommendation was adopted. Contract No. 112, Power and Culloty—The contractors are making fair headway considering the treacherous nature of a portion of th< The principal culverts were ii last inspection, and they ar< now proceeding with the constructioi of the embankments and finishing cix Upper Taueru Bridge, contrct No. 103—This struc ture has been maintained and finally adjusted and will be taken off th< contractor's hands. Miller's Road—The embankmen has been completed sufficiently to ad in it of wheel traffic. Two or thre days' carting is necessary to complet when drier conditions will admit o the work being done. The replacing of a three-foot b; three-foot culvert under an embank menton the Maungapurupuru Roa has been completed. Te Ore Ore - Bideford Road— Th road is generally in good order witi the exception of three treacherou slips—by pegs 9, 10 and 15—whic. are moving, causing some disfigure ment in the grade. Alfredton Riding. The road; throughout the district, although in ; heavy condition, are open for ligh vehicular traffic, with the exceptioi of the Castle Hill Road. Castle Hill Road, contract No 120, 78 chains of metalling, ha: been completed and taken off th< -contractor's hands.