MASTERTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9676, 15 December 1909, Page 7

MASTERTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. The County Enigneer <Mr D. McLachlan), reported as follows to the meeting of the Masterton County Council, held yesterday:—' Opaki Riding. Opaki District Road: The section of road damaged, mentioned in ray last report, has been again put in a good *tate of repair. Upper Opaki Road: Contract No. 202, 45 chains of metalling etc., has been completed and taken off the contractor's hands. With reference to the gravel reserve, without road access on fMr Wilton's Northern boundary, Mr Wilton has made an offer to the Council to exchange an even quantity of land on a give and take line, from a point giving a half chain irontage to tha main Opaki Road and running west to the railway line. The offer was I made [conditional, upon the .Council defraying the necessary expenses in connection with the ([transfer. Mr Wilton -undertakes to erect the boundary fence if the Council supply the wire and strainers. Upper Taueru Riding. Te Ore Ore-Bidelord Koad: The necessary sheeting to re-deck the Tikirangi bridge, has been delivered. The decking will be laid forthwith. Wainuioru Riding. \ Weraiti-Fernyhurat Road: Contrac: No. 181, metalling 148 chains of road with crushed limestone. There is yet about (10 chains to complets and this the contractor expect'a to finish next week. Contract JNo. Zi)s, metalling 18 chains of road. The above contract (let to B. Leathwick) which is an extension of the metal, from the Weraiti Saddle, isjnow in progress, the contractor having started yesterday. Contract No. 207, metalling 154 chains of road with shingle from Te Ore Ore. Section between Taueru to end of contract No. 181. The successful tenderers are engaged in completiing a contract in the Alfredton district and expect to proceed, with the work at the beginning fit January. The contract let to C. E. Daniell. for building a roadman's cottage at Mutuwaireka. will be commenced forthwith. Road: Contract No. 206, delivering 2,540 cubic yards of metal between Blairlogie Junction and Beaumaris. The contractor has started quarrying from the Beaumarisljend. Alfredton Riding.

Waihokt Road contract, No. 183, metalling 45 chains of road with burnt papa. The contractor has yet 8h chains to metal, nec< tnitating the burning of about 130 cubic yards. Alfredton - Weber Road: Contract No. 195, metalling 85 chains of road. In consequence of the difficulty to obtain clean rock, as originally specified in this contract, in terms of the Council's resolution, it wts agreed between the contractor ani the ouncillor for the riding to substitute shingle, from the Waiawhiti creek, the price agreed upon beiDg 9s per cubic yard, as against 12s for the rock. The contractor is now proceeding with the work—he has employed about fourteen teams, and is making good progress.

The bridge over the Te Hoe stream is in a very unsound condition; it has been necessary to provide a false pier on the southern bank in consequence ot the pile and cap breaking. I have had to restrict the load, to be carried over it, to 5 tons including team and vehicle. Saunders Road: The bridge which was impassable for heavy traffic on Mr Raleigh's frontage, has bean lengthened and the approach made good or traffic. Two defective culverts, on above road, required to be replaced. I am secnring the timber to have them reconstructed, as the safety of, the road is impaired. The replacing of two culverts destroyed by fire, and general repairs are being effected to the Flat Bush Road.