DEVONPORT'S ROADING SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 270, 13 November 1924, Page 9

DEVONPORT'S ROADING SCHEME.

IIETAL SUPPLY ARRANGED. The difficulties attendant on the active progress of Devonport's roading scheme, for which a £120,000 loan was raised, are now in a fair way towards eettlement, as a result of metal contracts entered into by the Borough Council at its meeting last evening-. The borough is handicapped by having no eource of road material within its boundaries except tlie volcanic scoria et Mount Cambria, which is quite unsuitable for modern concrete roadmaking. Owing to the keen demand for hard metal throughout the Auckland district, supplies for Devonport works have been almost unprocurable ■within (the limits of the borough's Jinance. The borough conducted experiments at its own pumping station, but the rock fell away too deeply for successful quarrying. These difficulties, together with the responsibility of properly administering the loan money within its statutory period, have rendered the Council's task the reverse of easy. Last night's business, however, ratified the acceptance of metal contracts entered into by the Mayor, ilr. T. Lamont, and the chairman of the AVorks Committee, Jlr. S. Luxfctd, •whereby the supply of 15,000 yards of crushed metal will begin within one month's time, and will continue thereafter at the rate of 100 yards per day. Following upon this the calling of tenders was authorised for four main roads, Victoria Road from Marine Square to Albert Road, Takapuna Road to borough boundary, Old Lake Road to Vauxhall Road and Tainui Road. These are returnable within three ■weeks. On the motion of Mr. Aldridge it ■was also decided that, as soon as these contracts were under way, plans for Calliope- Road should be prepared, and its permanent formation should follow early in the new year. Morrison's Avenue was also authorised for grading and metal formation.