A NEW TRUCK

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 17, 4 March 1941, Page 3

A NEW TRUCK

COUNCIL DECIDES TO

PURCHASE

CONDITION OF PLANT DISCUSSED

Arising out of a special report presented to members of the Ellesmere County Council at the meeting yesterday by the clerk-engineer, the council decided to purchase a heavy truck costing £850.

In this report Mr McAllister emphasised that the old trucks were difficult to maintain in proper order and it was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain replacement of parts. It might be possible to carry on with ithe existing trucks for two or three years provided it was possible to continue to secure the parts or to have them made in New Zealand. New trucks were very difficult to secure and would become more so in a few months, but he had been able to secure an option over one at a firm price, the vehicle being similar to that purchased by the council some time

ago. The chairman (Cr. R. T. McMillan) agreed that the difficulty of securing new trucks was most acute. He thought that it might be possible to re-condition one of the old ones by taking parts from the other. It might not be opportune to spend money on a truck now, but the trouble ,to secure a new one would be worse in six month's time.

The clerk-engineer said that another truck would be necessary for metalling work in the winter.

Cr. A. Anderson said that he was not opposed ..to buying a new truck, but pointed out that when the last one was purchased it was stated that the work could be done with two and one of the old ones could be kept for a standby. If the council secured another new truck, he saw no reason why the two old ones could not be scrapped.

The clerk said that was the effect of his suggestion.

Gr. J. P. McEvedy said that the council should consider buying a new truck, now, as it might be too late before long. „

Cr. W. O. Rennie, referring to remarks made by councillors at recent meetings: "Is it. fair to bring up this spending of money in the dying hours of the council?" (laughter). He added that it would be wise to take the opportunity ,to purchase a truck while one was available. The interest on the new vehicle would be less than the repair bills on the old ones.

It was decided to purchase .the truck under offer, the council to make an inspection before delivery.

Crushing Plant The second part of the report referred to the crushing plant and hopper, which the engineer described as not being very efficient or suitable for present day requirements. He described a plant, which would be much lighter and could be more easily shifted from pit to pit. It could be driven either by a tractor or by a power take-off from a grader, and present day prices were in the vicinity of £1000. He did not suggest that the council should consider making a purchase now, but that the scheme should be deferred for a more favourable time. He suggested that it might be better to use a grader as the supply for power as it could be used on the roads at busy times, for he was of the opinion that a third grader was a necessity if the roads were to be kept in proper order.

C.r. Anderson asked it it were possible to work one grader double shifts in the summer.

The engineer replied that this could be done but it would mean higher wages costs.

The chairman said that .the time was not opportune for the council to consider the scheme. He thought that if the two graders were kept working ,to capacity they could cope with demands. He pointed out that the summer' 'had been exceptionally dry and that the roads had unravelled more than usual. An extra grader would not be necessary in another season.

The engineer said .that there was a good deal of shingle on most of the roads now and he added that he thought that the present plant

would be adequate to do all that was required this winter.

Cr. W. O. Rennie remarked that if the more important roads were tar-sealed this would do away with the need for another grader and he was of the opinion that this method would be the more economical. The council agreed to defer consideration of renewing the crushing plant until a more favourable occasion.