LABOUR SHORTAGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4308, 24 July 1950, Page 8

LABOUR SHORTAGE

STATE OF THE ROADS COUNCIL’S PROBLEMS ENGINEER’S JUNE REPORT On account of the shortage of , labour very little maintenance has been possible on side roads of the Ohinemuri county, stated Mr L. E. Shaw, county engineer, at the July meeting of the council. The engineer in his report covering activities during the month of June stated that two men of Thames road quarry gang were working full time with the builder and the other two had been used periodically on bridge maintenance and water works. As it has been necessary to remove parts from the old crushing plant for use on the new plant it was now not possible to crush the very necessary maintenance riietal that was required on all roads. The erection of the new plant was proceeding satisfactorily but weather conditions had not been helpful. Waihi Area: At the Waihi end of the countyroads generally had received metal and maintenance. The crushing plant had 'not worked full time as the men were required for road and bridge maintenance. For the period 862 yard's of running top pie tai we're crushed, that included 193 yards sold to ratepayers. On the Waihi-Waitawheta road a large wooden culvert had partially collapsed and was to be replaced at first opportunity with 48 inch concrete pipes which had been carted to the site. On the Waitawheta road two bends had been improved by widening the grades had been altered and the whole length had been remetalled. A fair amount of storm-damage had been experienced at that end of the county, all matters requiring attention 'having been' attended to. Komata Drainage Area In the Komata drainage area the dragline had made good progress and the railway outlet drain had been cleaned and generally reconditioned. Kurere stream had been cleared and was also very much improved and a start had been made with the clearing of the Komata outfall. Bridges .Bridges during the period had required the usual amount of maintenance much of which was only of a very temporary nature and with the increasing heavy traffic would only suffice until such time as experienced bridge men were appointed and that was a matter which should be treated as urgent.

The plant generally was in satisfactory running order. The grader had been laid up on account of parts.