CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17740, 17 April 1923, Page 13

CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION.

MEETING AT OPAWA. A large meeting was held at Opawa last evening, when Citizens' Association candidates delivered addresses. Mr Oscar W. B. Anderson said there were very few cities that were not crying to solve the roading problem; to find what means could be taken to secure for the streets a surface, duruDle, comparatively smooth, noiseless, ,mr| free from dust, and upon which maintenance costs were reasonable, iue modern, tendency had been to discard tvood blocking and stone setts as being too expensive ior first costs and very costly in maintenance alter a certain period had elapsed. Kecent experiments in other countries with concrete roads would give the same impression as to results. Tlie only method of repairing concrete roads once tliey broKe was by tarred metal, so, in time, it would appear that the concrete road would be one in foundation only, the surface being tar sealed or of tarred macadam. The tarred macadam system had proved its worth in Christchurch over a number of years. It was now sonie twenty-three years since the first section of tarred macadam was put down in Christchurch, in Cashel street between the river and Colombo street, and that road had cost comparatively little for maintenance. Mr Anderson advocated a more progressive movement regarding the roads. Two miles per year, which had been the average rate of tar construction, was inadequate under present trallic conditions. This construction had been carried out from money obtained from rates, and it jvas a matter worth serious consideration whether the rates | should not be relieved of this work and the money raised on loan for a vigorous policy of construction. Mr Anderson, while not prepared to advocate a Metropolitan Board of Works, advocated tlio control of the streets by one body, tlio Christchurch City Council, and conferences between the engineers of the various bodies to decide on how and when work on the roads should be done, thus preventing undue cutting up of the street surfaces and consequent waste of public funds. Messrs D. Rowse, McGregor Wright, T. M. Charters, and A. A. McKellar (Council candidates), G. Scott (Harbour Board candidate), A. T. Smith (Hospital Board candidate), and J. A. Fleslier (Mayoral candidate) also spoke on the lines previously reported. Mr John Clarke presided over the meeting, and after a number of questions had been answered the candidates received a vote of thanks and confidence. MEETING AT BECKENHAM. Mr Chegwin presided over the meeting at the Beckenham Bowling Club s pavilion. Addresses were delivered by Messrs Manhire, Beaven, Andrews, Charters, and Agar. ,