STREET WORKS

Evening Post, Volume 63, Issue 63, 14 March 1924, Page 3

STREET WORKS

SUGGESTIONS OF WASTEFUL

METHODS.

Following the reading of a letter from the Town Clerk in regard to the City Council's programme of street works, the council of the Civic League at its last meeting discussed this important matter at some length.

It was reported that the executive had interviewed the Mayor, and that later the president acid secretary had again waited on his Worship and discussed with him the important question of street construction and maintenance within the city, dt was pointed out that £68,298 had been spent on street works in ten months, and the league's executive had asked for details of how that very large sum had been expended. ■' .Reports were received by the executive that slack work, want of system, and other causes were responsible for much wasteful expenditure, and the executive had made request for details and the fullest review of the whole position.

It had also been urged upon the Mayor that the council should face the question of a general policy of street formation. The Mayor said that this would involve another loan, and the reply given was that the council should thoroughly investigate the whole position, as it appeared wiser economy to face a plan of laying down good foundations and properly sealed surfaces in the main streets by a capital expenditure which would bring about savings on upkeep than to spend over £60,000 per year in maintenance, and still have many bad streets. A very strong plea was made for full review, and for information to be given to the public on the whole position. The Mayor had not yet replied to the representations made to him, and the letter received, from the town Clerk, whilst informative in some particulars, did not deal with the larger issues presented to the Mayor.

The report was adopted, and a general discussion took place on the subject raised. It was finally resolved, on the motion "of Mr. F. W. Moore, seconded by Mr. R. L. Jones, that a reply should be sent to the Town .Clerk expressing thanks for letter received, and-that a further appeal should be made to the Mayor and council that a sound, general policy of street formation within the city should be decided upon, in order (■o save in the heavy annual charges for maintenance now required.