HONIKIWI ROADS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 501, 18 September 1912, Page 5

HONIKIWI ROADS.

DEPUTATION TO COUNCIL. Some time ago the Honikiwi settlers raised a special loan for the purpose of having the roads of the district metalled. The work was let by contract and was commenced last season. An exceptionally wet season was experienced and it has now become evident that portion of the work is unsatisfactory. A deputation consisting of Messrs Hargreaves, Lakeman, McLean, and another waited on the County Council on Monday evening with respect to an uncompleted contract. The deputation was introduced by Cr Gregg. Mr Lakeman said they understood the contractor had been paid 75 per cent, of the contract and the settlers wished to know t,ha exact position. The metal would not stand traffic and it was apparent that in places unsuitable material had been used, while in other places insufficient metal had been put down. They would like to know if there was any remedy, or what the council proposed to do. The chairman said the work had to be carried out according to contract and be passed by the Government engineer, as well as the County engineer. The contractor had been paid 75 per cent, of the money, but he was under a substantial bond to carry out his contract. The council had every confidence in the contractor.

Cr Gregg said that portion of the loan money was still unexpended. He suggested that more metal should be put on the places already metalled. Mr Hargreaves said that, according to the specifications the metal had to be approved by the council. The river gravel put on consisted of about one third gravel and the remainder sand. At present horses travelling on the so-called metalled places got up to their knees in mud. He wished to know if the same quality of metal was to be used in future.

Cr Gregg said the river was high all last season and it was impossible to get the best gravel. Mr Hargreaves suggested the gravel should be screened.as the metal used would not stand traffic. In places only three inches ot metal was provided and this was entirley insufficient.

After some further discussion concerning details the chairman said he appreciated the settlers'position. The question was one of engineering, and the contract had not been taken over. The representations of the deputation Would receive every consideration by the council.

Mr Hargreaves suggested that men should be put on to maintain that portion of the metalling work which had been taken over by the council. He thought it would be a good idea to get settlers to look after certain lengths of the road with a view to preventing damage by slips. The chairman assured the deputation the suggestion would be carried into effect.