Protection From Icy County Roads

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30811, 24 July 1965, Page 6

Protection From Icy County Roads

Better ways of protecting motorists from the effects of snow and ice on county roads will be introduced by the Mount Herbert County Council, which yesterday heard complaints arising from recent snowfalls and frost.

Mrs J. Thiele wrote complaining about the council’s apathy. She said that on not one morning had grit been put on icy corners on Dyers Pass. She understood the council’s roadman at Governor’s Bay was not allowed to do anything without instructions. Cr. C. E. Jenkins said the council used to have dumps of grit at bad corners, but motorists had taken it. “It is a waste of time for me to ring the foreman (Mr J. Needham) because he says he has to get orders from somewhere else,” said Cr. G. M. Couch. “I complained about lack of grit. We’ve got to have better methods on Dyers Pass, and between Governor’s Bay and Lyttelton.” Cr. Jenkins said Dyers Pass, the Purau-Port Levy and the Port Levy-Pigeon Bay roads were all closed by snow, but the public had not been told. Roadmen used to go out before an emergency arose, but now they waited to be told to do something, said Cr. E. R. Radcliffe. Early-morn-ing trips were needed to apply grit. “However,” he said, “residents should realise that the council cannot do anything about frosts. They have got to be prepared for icy roads in winter. Under the wrong conditions, grit and all can freeze.” On Cr. Radcliffe’s motion, the -council decided to issue instructions in writing to the staff to guide them in emergencies, and it was agreed to improve liaison with the Automobile Association’s warning services.

work on Banks Peninsula not be done jointly by Akaroa, Wairewa and Mount Herbert counties? The council deferred a decision. Amalgamation.—The council appointed members to attend the meeting on August 9 of Paparua, Halswell, Heathcote and Mount Herbert counties and Lyttelton borough to discuss amalgamation. Dismissed.—The council dismissed a request from Mr H. E. Roskilly for an extension of time on a noxious weeds clearance notice on five acres at Governor's Bay. Higher Level.—Plans for raising the level of the highway on the Teddington flat by an average of two feet as part of the reconstruction of the unsealed section between Allandale and Teddington were considered. Cr. Mathias said landowers had objected that the raising could cause flooding of their paddocks. He was authorised to discuss this with farmers, and Cr. R. Allan was asked to go into the question of land required.

Change of Clerk.— -The chairman (Cr. J. H. Mathias) made a presentation to the retiring county clerk (Mr F. G. Bullock), and paid tribute to his services for the last five years. Mr Bullock succeeded his father, the late Mr G. T. Bullock, county clerk for 25 years. Cr Mathias welcomed the new clerk (Mr W. H. Scrimgeour) and said that as Mount Herbert and Heathcote wanted to amalgamate, the appointment of Mr Scrimgeour, who was also Heathcote’s clerk, anticipated the event. Catchment Area.—He could see no advantage to the council in coming in, said Cr. Mathias, reporting on proposals to enlarge the North Canterbury Catchment Board's area Mount Herbert would pay ’ £l9O in administration rate, and he did not think this was justified. Cr. Radcliffe said there was a possibility of compulsion to join the larger area. Why could catchment