ROAD MAINTENANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 9

ROAD MAINTENANCE.

MT. ROSKIIX REQUIREMENTS. RKPORT HY EXGIXKKi:. A comprehensive report was presented to the Mt. Roskill Road Board last evening hv the engineer, Mr. J. D. Whitinore, containing his estimates of proposed expenditure on road maintenance from the present date to the end of the financial year, together with other details connected with his department, but not including anticipated expenditure on waterworks. In compiling the estimated road maintenance expenditure, Mr. Wliitmore said he had done so with the object of keeping the outlay within the limits in regard to wages, as decided upon by the Financc Committee. With regard to the conduct of the work it was obvious, he remarked, that if he was permitted to concentrate upon any particular portion of the district with full strength, a better showing could be made and the ratepayers immediately concerned given greater satisfaction. On the other hand, with such a large area to cater for it was probable that dissatisfaction would be expressed by those waiting for necessary works to be done in other parts of the district. The board was at present handicapped by lack of sufficient plant to enable work to he speeded up, or more than one moderately-sized gang used efficiently. He therefore included in the estimates a scheme for the purchase of certain plant that, if purchased, would all tend to give greater efficiency of operation and at the same time speed up the works. His estimates were as follows:—Total estimated expenditure on maintenance, £4125; footpaths, £1200; May Road culvert, £400; scoria and metal, £1000; maintenance of plant, £300; petrol and oil, £500; drainage connections, £350; footpaths, £175; engineer and staff (not including building inspector), £800; contingencies, £500; Haig Avenue footpath, £05 14/; proposed plant, to include bitumen sprayer and heater, compressor, Fordson tractor and pump, £1400. Total. £10,845 14/.

The engineer said he had not allowed any expenditure on the roads on Burke'e estate, as a small outlay would do no appreciable good, their condition at the present time necessitating a verv considerable outlay if anything at all was undertaken, lit , had also omitted Belfast Road for the same reason. With regard to the disposal of surplus spoil he would appreciate permission to dump spoil in the most convenient places available, even if private property had to be Utilised, and would suggest that Potters Park, in Quecnctown Road, be need for that purpose.