PRESTON ROAD.

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1929, Page 8

PRESTON ROAD.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—-I notice that the Mayor has congratulated the Borough Engineer on the boring scheme for the improvement of the Greymouth water supply, but I consider that is only a minor achievement, compared with the masterpiece of engineering known as Preston Road. I very much doubt whether such a road (?) exists anywhere else, in any other borough in New Zealand. If an aerial photograph were taken of Preston Road, those who saw tho photograph would probably jump to the conclusion that it was one of No Man’s Land, taken after a heavy bombardment during the Great War in Flanders. On a wet day, the resemblance to water-filled shell craters would be perfect. The pedestrians in this age of motors are usually regarded as being unfortunate, but I can assure them that, so far as Preston Road is concerned ,and particularly that portion between the Harbour Board’s railway crossing and the Power Board’s sub-station, they are much luckier than the motorists whose business compels therm to use the alleged road. The method of “repairing” the surface is worthy of < the greatest admiration. Loose shingle is dumped into the shell —I mean pot-holes —but the wheels of vehicles, and the first heavy rain, scatters the shingle in all directions. Undismayed, the Borough employees dump on more shingle, but only at long intervals, when, presumably, there is nothing else for* them to do elsewhere in the borough. The rates are high, but who cares, when such splendid roads are provided? As a mark of appreciation, allow me to suggest that the Engineer be presented with a full-sized model of a Preston Road pothole; he could use it as a bath. The Mayor and Councillors could be made similar presentations, as there are enough and to spare in Preston Road. If that is not done, I intend to present the Engineer with a spring from my car —it is bound to break after a few more trips along Preston Road. Meanwhile, I suggest that the Engineer be instructed to drive his car along the road three times a day, after meals. If that does not result in an improvement (to the road) nothing will. He would probably require a new car if the treatment were continued more than a day or two. I am, etc.,

UP AND DOWN.