ROADS AND ROAD METAL

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 49, 26 February 1916, Page 9

ROADS AND ROAD METAL

NEW SOXmCES OF SUPPLY. IP3IAXENT PAVING TO CONTINUE. KKSO}CBY ROAD AXD BEACH ROAD ■ - : XEST. vAnckiand's roading problems were referred to by the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gnnson) in the course of an interview this morning. The City Council had, le stated, declined to enter into any contract for the supply of metal froci Moehau. Coromande! granite and deposits of rock on the peninsula have leen frequently referred to as suitable for use on Auckland streets. A recent inspection, however, proved that the stone was not of the standard required, and in any ease, the distance of the source of supply precluded the scheme - from serious consideration. The city, engineer no.r has under consideration several proposals ia regard to large deposits of suitable etone, and tiie Uayor is expecting a report in a few weeks' time. The quality of the atone from Mount Edeu quarry had very much improved in recent years, and at the lower levels a. first-c!aii3 otone was being obtained. A difficulty existed, however, in that the tenure at Mount Eden was not satisfactory. It was necessary, therefore, that the Council should look aiead, and place itself in a position of security in the matter of metal supply, Tfhydi would always be required for Auckland. It was unite impossible to seriously consider the question of paving ni other than the principal thoroughfares, an./, main outlete. ilany of these ■would receive consideration in the next jear or two. Albert Street, Beach Koad, Customs Street West, Ponsonby Road, and other main thoroughfares would be pnt down a≤ soon ad possible in permanent material. While the first cost of 6uch work was considerable, it was most efficient and economical in the long run.

Asked when ho erpected the Council would be in a position to undertake such a progressive roading policy, the Mayor replied that it would depend on the conclusion of the war and the state of the money market, which could not be forecasted in the very best informed circles. A3 a matter of fact, the present cost of maintenance for tnese roads from general accounts was extremely co3tly. Any new policy would have to be deferred, however, until the financial outlook was clearer.