ROAD MAKING,

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1558, 29 June 1882, Page 3

ROAD MAKING,

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — On leading a letter in Thursday's issue signed " Pro Bono Publico," I was much struck with his concluding remarks re road boards and their engineering. It is a positive fact that, as a rule, road boards do go in for quantity instead of quality in their engineering, for a number ot men, when elected members of road boards, instantly think they know all about engineering, and m many instances try their hands at it, with what results very many of your readers can see for themselves in the numberless abortions on so many of our road works ; and, of course, if there is an engineer to the board, he gets all the credit of the works of these amateurs. What I contend is that the system of appointing engineers to our various local bodies, carried out in Waikato, is bad in piinciple. The general way is to call for tenders for engineering sei vices, and then to accept the lowest tender, no matter whose it is, so that boauls and councils are continually changing their engineers. This must be detiimental to the well-doing of the work, because it is one of those cuiious but well-known facts that no two engineers do agree as to details of these w orks ; besides, you know, many of the alterations aie put down as improvements, and that looks well for the new man. Why do not the boards and councils fix a lemuneiation for an engineer, then call for offers, and accept whom they think the best man, and give him full charge of the works. An engineer appointed by the county, whose services w ould be a\ ailable to all boards in that county would be the best idea in my opinion. If something of this soit Avere carried out we should have fewer crooked badges and badly made or drained roads, and contractoi s would soon be taught that they must carry out their works piopeily, in place of trying to shirk, as they so often do. The nnmeious complaints which we have had for some time past of conti actors being unduly favoured by engmeeis, show that the condition of things is not healthy, and someone must have to sutler in consequence. I think you will agiee with me that it is the general body of ratepayers who do suffer, and the contractor who benefits on these occasions. The question is an important one, and one which I commend to the earnest attention of the new boards which aie about to be elected tlnoughout the country. — I am, &c, Pro Bono Pujjlioo, No. 2. Te Awanmtu, June 23.