PENINSULA NEWS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4104, 23 February 1949, Page 11

PENINSULA NEWS

ROADS SUFFER

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC COROMANDEL COUNTY FOREMAN’S MONTHLY REPORT The report of the county foreman, Mr J. T. Hinchco, presented to the February meeting of the Coromandel County Council, was as follows. “Main highway 309: This highway has received very little attention during the period owing to the limited labour available. No. 8 and No. 13 bridges have had running boards renailed. Some tea-tree was blown across the road during the recent storm and has been removed. The surface, like almost all other road surfaces in the county has suffered considerably through the exceptional holiday traffic.

“Kuaotunu: The Waitaia road to Hilfords has been bulldozed. OpitoPeys bay road: A great improvement was effected to this road when the grader was in this district. KuaotunuWhitianga road: The surface is in very fair order; the surfaceman here has recommenced duties. “Whitianga: In this area most roads received some attention before the holidays. Practically all the surfaces have deteriorated through the record holiday traffic they were called on to cany, especially the Buffalo beach section.

“ Roading in these districts has stood the test of extra traffic reasonably well. Unfortunately at present we are without a surfaceman there; however, it is hoped to have another suitable workman available in the near future.

“ Whangapoua: The grader has cleared the water tables plus giving the road some attention where ever possible. Several blocked culverts have been opened and growth has been cut back. Attention has been given to the serious pot holes on the No. 24 main road. It is anticipated making an early start repairing Heenan’s bridge. “ Kennedy’s bay: Tokatea hill; during the recent storm two large trees fell across the road, completely blocking all traffic. Immediate action was taken to open ’the road and three blocked culverts were also opened. “Colville: Several decking planks were added to the Colville bridge to help strengthen the structure. The western approach to the Big bay bridge has had one load of filling placed on it. However this approach still requires further filling to build the embankment level with the concrete wing walls.

“ Colville-Coromandel: While the major stretch of this road is in fair order it is desirable to give consideration to sections 11 and 12 before any wet weather sets in.

“ Coromandel: During the recent storm a poplar tree was blown across the main street causing considerable damage to the power lines, this however was cleared in good time. The broken decking planks on the wharf have been replaced. Owing to the

record number of campers at Long Bay park during the holiday season it was necessary to arrange a refuse collection. “ Grader: The machine is now operating again after a series of minor breakdowns. Mr Preece’s job has been completed. At present the grader is working on the Whangapoua hill. As soon as this area is finished it is proposed that it should work north to Jackson’s bay and Port. Charles.

Water supply: The fire plugs have had the growth cleared from them and the hydrant caps have been inspected. One cap on the 530 requires attention and this will be arranged as soon as it is convenient to have the water shut off in that area. Two existing water supplies have ' een repaired.

“ Staff: Three employees, Messrs Hale, Davies and McNeil have resigned from the council’s employment. One new employee, Mr C. Strange has been engaged.

“ New building: The timber for the building has now come to hand and the builder is busy erecting the framework.”