LEVEL CROSSING

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 59, Issue 4278, 12 May 1950, Page 11

LEVEL CROSSING

KARANGAHAKE AREA PROPOSED ALTERATIONS NOT WARRANTED SAYS COUNCIL Further reference to the level lailway crossing at Karangahake station was made at the April meeting of the Ohinemuri County Council when a letter was read from the resident civil engineer of the New Zealand Government Railways, Hamilton, asking what had been done 4>y the council relative to the metalling of the road, shifting the fence and removal of cattlestops at the crossing.

The county engineer, Mr L. E. Shaw, informed the meeting that there was about one week’s work for a bulldozer and the work could not be done without the use of the bulldozer and at a cost of which would be about £lOO.

Mr Jenkinson drew the attention of councillors to the fact that the department had at one time offered to pay £lOO towards the cost of the work in question.

Cr. S. H. Thompson pointed out that it was a lot of money to spend to eliminate a level crossing when there were hundreds all over the Dominion. Cr. J. Rackham said that he failed to see the need' for the alteration at all. It would be better to leave matters as they were at present.

A resolution was carried’ that the department be asked whether it would be prepared to meet the cost of the work.

Upon turning up old records it was discovered that years ago the cost was estimated at £250.

If that was the case, said the chairman it would cost £4OO at the present time. Cr. A. F. Thorp suggested that the should be written to pointing out that there was now no justification for incurring such an unnecessary expense. The meeting finally carried a further resolution that in view of the changed circumstances the department be requested to abandon the carrying out of the work which would ,be of little benefit and only at considerable cost.