MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 95, 3 December 1936, Page 2

MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD

MEMBEES VISIT KAIKOURA The members of the Main Highways Board arrived in Kaikoura at mid-day yesterday, and were entertained at luncheon at the Adelphi Hotel by the County Council. The party comprised Messrs A. J. Baker, T. A. Barrow. C. .1. Talbot, W. Morrison, and M. H. W.ynyard; also Messrs E. W. Albertson (Highways Engineer) and G. Y ■ Knapp (Secretary). Mi Baker (deputy Chairman) presided in the absence of Mr J. Wood (Chairman). Mr F. J. Monk (County (.’hairman) in extending a welcome to the board, said he was pleased indeed to see the members looking so bright and well, anil it looked as if the,\' had had a. successful trip. He. regretted Ihe absence of Mr McKenzie and paid a tribute to his services whilst a member of the Board, and also paid a compliment to Mr Baker (deputy chairman). As the Board had made the journey following several days of wet weather, they could see for themselves xvhat the roads xverc like and understand the district’s requirements. The Council list was a small one, therefore it looked to see the requests granted. However, he hoped their requirements would be met. The Chairman of the Board thanked the County Council Chairman for the kind xvelcomc and the hospitality ex tended to the members of the Board. The relations existing between the Council and the Board had always been good, and it xvas gratifying to the Board members to know that local bodies appreciated the efforts of thi Board. Mr Ba.ker said he regretlm'

that Mr Woods, the Chief Knoineer, ; was unable to be present, anil thanked ' Mr Monk for his expressions regarding Mr McKenzie, who had been compelled to retire owing to illness. Mr McKenzie had asked that his greetings be extended to the, Kaikoura County , Councillors. LYELL CREEK BRIDGE The first matter to be brought under the Board’s notice was the Lyell Creek Bridge, at the northern entrance to the town. Flood waters banked up at this point and there was danger of flooding in the town. The bridge certainly carried the traffic, but was certainly not in a. good condition. The Chairman of the Board said all admitted that the Lyell Bridge was not up to adequate requirements. However. the Board had so many urgent jobs that it was necessary to make a choice of works according to finance available. Care had to be exercised in this respect. The Board would arrange for a survey of the site to be made, secure an estimate ns to the cost of work for consideration by the Board. KAHAUTARA AND BIG LINTON Mr Monk said the next matter of importance was the Kahautaia River, which might be taken with the Big Linton stream. These were two streams between Kaikoura and the inland Conway Bridge, now in course of construction. These streams interfered considerably with traffic, as had occurred the last few days. Councillor P. S. Humm endorsed the remarks of the Chairman, and added that the settlers in the area were dependent on the road service for supplies and tor the delivery of produce. He considered the time was opportune to improve the inland road, while the coast road was being used for railway construction and traffic was likely to be congested. Settlers were inconvenienced when these two streams were in flood, and it was important that there should be a second line of defence in case* of blockage on the coast road. Cr. L. P. Blunt said in addition to what had already been said, there was the question of a round trip to be considered. The rivers mentioned certainly caused inconvenience to the settlers and bridges were required. The Chairman of the Board said he realised that the bridging of those two rivers was absolutely necessary. He believed th<» construction of the Mason Bridge was on the stocks, and perhaps these two works could be deferred until the Board could conveniently arrange for the work. The subsidy arranged was £2 for £l, and it was a question whether the County Council could arrange for its quota. Mr Monk: You can go one better, I think, and make it £3 for £l. Mr Baker said it was possible, but ho was not committing the Board nt this stage. The Board was under the necessity of stiffening up the subsidies. £2 for £1 was the standard rate, but in cases where local bodies could not carry the burden, there had been inMAINTENANCE OF CLARENCE BRIDGE Air Monk said another matter was that of the maintenance of the Clarence Bridge, seeing that it was anticipated that increased maintenance would be required as a result of heavy traffic in connection with the railway. The Chairman said the Board would meet the extra charges under the circumstances. GRAVEL RESERVES I The County Chairman said that see ing the Board was taking over the I highways. the Coum il would like to I know the attitude of the Board regarding gravel reserves, the Council being tesponsible for the clearance of noxious weeds, etc., ami whether the Board would take over the reserves ami the responsibilities attached to them, or whether tin* Council could lease the The Chairman said the Board would not take over the reserves, ami the Council would still be the controlling authority. TAR-SEALING Another important matter, stated the County Chairman, was the tar-sealing of the main highway from when* the tar-sealing had been carried out, to the Hapuku Bridge along the Kincaid Road. As the road was at present in a condition for the work, he strongly advocated this work being done. The distance was about 6A- miles. There was also the stretch of road from the Racecourse Cutting to the Kahautara

Bridge. The dust nuisance was severely felt on these roads. The Chairman said members of the Board fully realised the need for dustless roads. Last year 360 miles, now tho Board had 1800 miles to contend with. Under the circumstances the Board had to take up the most urgent cases. He could give no indication as to when thestf works would be undertaken. The Council’s request w’ould receive consideration, but the work would have to be deferred. Mr Monk said he regretted this, and he felt it would be a disappointment to the Council. The dust conditions were very bad on the northern section referred to, and were a source, of danger to traffic under existing circumstances. The Chairman of the Board said it was pleasing to know that the Council emphasised the necessity for this work. It would receive consideration later. TRUCK SUBSIDIES Mr Monk referred to the matter of the hire rate for the Council’s trucks, and contended that the rate should be increased. The Council could not see its way to purchase the trucks recommended by the Board, and had purchased trucks which it considered more suited to the county work, and it could not understand why the reduced rate had been forced on the Council. Ho considered the Council should be given a reasonable rate for the hire of its tracks on the main highways. Mr Burgoyne (County Engineer) considered £2 -a day would be a reasonable rate for hire of the trucks. Mr G. W. Knapp (Secretary to tho Board) said the Board had recommended the purchase of Ford trucks and the Council had purchased another make of truck. He pointed out that the excess expenditure was largely due to Customs duty and not to the cost of the construction of the truck. The Board had therefore decided to fix the hire rate on a basis of the lowest tender. Mr Monk said the Council had purchased the trucks mainly for the highways, and as the Board was taking over the roads the trucks would remain on the Council’s hands. However, the trucks had been paid for, and were doing useful work, and the Council was well satisfied with them. The Chairman said the Board had the benefit of the experience of a qualified 'mechanical staff. It paid 75 per cent, of the hiring of the trucks. However, a note would be made regarding the matter- consideration given to it, ami the Council would be advised later regarding the Board’s decision. The Chairman referred to the excellent condition of the roads in tho county. The Conway Bridge was to be constructed—that won I<l be one achievement since the Board’s last visit. The most notable thing since | the last visit of the Board was that the State had assumed control of the main highways, and this had been welcomed by a large number of local bodies. Kaikoura would derive a distinct benefit from this, as 54 per cent, of the roads would be under tho Board, as against an average of 35 per cent. In the past the local bodies controlled the Board, but now the boot was on the other foot, and the Council could say if it were not satisfied. Mr Baker said the Board had a lengthy trip and regretted that they could not stay longer and enjoy their fellowship. He expressed appreciation that the Councillors had come along to meet the members of the Board, and again thanked the Council for its welcome and hospitality. Mr Monk returned thanks on behalf of the Council for the manner in which the Board had met them. Ho felt that the councillors could go home, honestly believing that something would forthcoming. “ The Board then left fqr Cheviot.