BAR-TAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4473, 14 February 1917, Page 2

BAR-TAR.

BOROUGH ENGINEER'S REPORT. Reporting upon the tar painting of the streets with the "Bar-tar’’ preparation, tho Borough Engineer, at last night’s meeting of the Council, stated“ Owing to the density of the material, twice as much tar is used than is required; the road, even with the constant blending, becomes more or less impassable for foot passengers, and only after, say, three or four days, is it in a fit condition for crossing. The wheel traffic tends to wear the surfaco into ridges of tar and sand, and tho work results in an unsatisfactory job. I have, therefore, discontinued the work, as it is evident that the preparation being supplied is not in accordance with what is required. Tho portions so far done are one block in Gladstone Road and portion of Peel Street from • the police station towards the railway. Different samples of gravel have been used, and the results closely watched. The cost has been nearly three times what it should have been. I propose in the meantime to use the ordinary dehydrated tar, but subject to a lower temperature while distilling, as most of our work this season will be in the form of tar-painting.” Cr. Wildish said that he was disappointed in tho results. He thought that there would have been good results after the experience in Wanganui.

The Engineer said that in Wanganui tar macadam was used, not tar painting as carried out here. Cr. Munns said that ho was also disappointed with the results. He saw the mixture put down in Read’s Quay, and that had been successful. After further discussion the matter was left in the hands of the Engineer, and his action in suspending the work was confirmed.