MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 60, 12 March 1938, Page 10

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

VISIT BY BOARD. AUCKLAND SITTING. J MANY DEPUTATIONS. Many district requirements by local bodies were placed before the Ma in Highways Board at a sitting in Auckland this morning, and a large number of deputations were heard. Tlie members of the board were Messrs. A. ,T. Baker (deputy chairman), W. Morrison, J. W. Scott, C. J. Talbot, M. H. W ynyard, C. J. Talbot. There were also present Messrs G. W. Albertson, highways engineer, G. W. Kemp, secretary, and Mr. F. S. Dyson, district Public Works engineer.

The deputy chairman Mid tliat the (board did not have many opportunities of making tours, and they were glad of the opportuntiy of making contact with representatives of local bodies. Isolated District. Mr. F. H. Brown, on behalf of the Ostcnd Koad Board, asked that a further length of about three miles in the Osteiul area should be declared a highway. The deputy chairman said that the area was isolated, and in a peculiar position.

For some time the Highways Board had been unable to make any additions to the system of highways owing to heavy demands. However, the Highways Board would arrange to have a report made. Roskill Highway. The possibility that there might not be sufficient finance to complete the two miles of main highway through the Mount Roskill district was mentioned by Mr. R. Sanft and Mr. T. Dallev, representing the Mount Roskill Road Board. The deputation pointed out the greatlv increased cost of material, and" there was doubt whether the work could be finished within the original estimate. A sum of £900 had been authorised. The deputy-chairman said that the deputation had put up a good case, and it was desirable that a job started should be finished. If the cost were greater thaji the estimate, and the job f was done reasonably well, the board I would increase the subsidy. j The deputy-chairman also mentioned J the question of kerb to kerb sealing, i He said that the board had laid down i a standard of -work, and, generally speaking, in such areas it was desirable to complete the work from kerb to kerb. Lake Road. The condition of the portion of Lake Road within the borough of Northcote was brought forward by a deputation from the Northcote Borough Council consisting of the Mayor, Mr. R. Martin, and Messrs. E. C.- Fowler and N. S. Davidson. Mr. Martin said that the road was 105$ chains in length and if the board could assist they could do something material towards the improvement of the road. They considered that the board should cither take the road over or increase the allocation. The deputy-chairman explained that the State highway system comprised traffic roads between important centres, and declarations of short systems had not been considered. The board would have the matter investigated by the district engineer, who would make a report. When the board had the information it would further discuss the matter. There were cases where the board gave a more liberal subsidy, but every case' would be considered on its merits. Birkenhead Requirements. The construction of a full width road from the Birkenhead wharf to Highbury Corner was urged by the Mayor, Mr. F. J. Osborne, and C. Bridget, representing the Birkenhead Borough Council. The deputation pointed out that there had been a great increase of traffic in the district. The deputation also inquired the board's attitude in regard to unformed footpaths on main highways.

The deputy-chairman said that it was an important highway, and it appeared that the deputation had made a good case. They would have a report made by the district engineer. In connection with footpaths it was the board's policy to subsidise half the cost if it were decided that the time was-ripe to construct them. He asked that definite, concrete proposals should be put forward, and they would be considered. Glen Eden Request. Improvements required to Valley Koad in the Glen Eden Town Board area were pointed out bv Mr. W. Haters on behalf of the *Glen Eden Town Board. He said that a bridge required raising and a culvert would have to be renewed. The estimated total cost was £1900. and unless thev "ot assistance it would absorb most of the revenue for the year. They had 45 chains of main highway, "and the shoulders required building up and sealing.

Tho deputy-chairman said that filen Eden was experiencing the troubles of a new district. In connection with- the shoulders of the highway, it was the function of the board to look after them, and a report would be made by the district engineer. The board had henry commitments in connection with tha main highways, and he regretted that they were not in a position to spend money on roads that were not main highways.

New Lynn Wants. Representing the Xew Lynn Borough Council, the Mayor, Mr. G. Lawson, the town clerk. Mr. L. Butters, and the engineer, Mr. B. MeKenzie, asked for the full-width sealing of the main highway running through the borough. . Mr. Butters asked that the work be completed befoe the winter. Mr. Baker explained that the policy of the board was to seal roads from kerb to kerb in business areas, but close settlement in other places sometimes warranted full width sealing. A.s Xew Lynn Borough would probably continue to expand, it would seem that it had a fair claim to consideration. That was not a promise; however, although the board would j;et a. report on the matter. Money lor such purposes was not available at present, and the matter would have to stand over until next January. If there was preparatory workto be done, eaid Mr. Baker, he would suggest that it be done this summer. With regard to kerbing and channelling, which had also been mentioned by the deputation, Mr. Bilker said that the board looked to that as the work of the local authorities. The deputation also inquired regarding traffic: tallies, stating that the present system, in the opinion of the Xew Lynn Council did not give a correct indication of the amount of traffic 011 the highway. The board had stated that where there was a certain standard of traffic it would consider lighting.

The deputy-chairman explained that up to a short time ago the board had not recognised lighting as one of its functions. It considered, however, that where traffic on a State highway had reached a certain intensity it would be justified 111 making arrangements for a lighting system. An average of 2.~>00 vehicles a day was the standard required. Rural Road Traffic. The fact that 82 per cent of the rural road traffic of the Dominion was 011 State highways was stressed by Mr. Baker when replying to a deputation from the Manukau County Council, which asked when the board intended to declare more main highways. . Mr. Baker said that 110 definite answer could be given; the board could not increase highways substantially until its present system was completed. He advised the deputation not be too pessimistic. The chairman of the council. Mr. F. M. Waters, thanked the board for what he termed a more specific reply than he had expected.