THE AWAKINO ROAD.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XVII, Issue 1730, 26 September 1922, Page 5

THE AWAKINO ROAD.

QUESTION OF MAINTENANCE. STRONG CRITICISM. At last night's meeting of the Borough Council, the condition of the Awakino Road came in for some severe criticism from councillors. The discussion arose as the result of a letter from the Waitomo County Council re a proposal emanating from the borough that the county be asked to provide five cubic yards of maintenance metal for every 100 cubic yards of metal carted by the council or their contractors on that portion of the road within the borough. The council thought the percentage of metal asked for was too high, and suggested a conference between the respective engineers, a third person to be called in to arbitrate, should the engineers fail to agree. Cr Rothery's view of the offer, in which the council heartily concurred, was that the council had really been too lenient. Cr Blackman had no hesitation in saying that the heavy motor lorry traffic which was constantly passing over the road, had done practically £350 worth of damage in the last six months.

Asked for his opinion, the borough foreman said that the road had practically gone, and was "ripped to pieces in many places." "DIABOLICAL CONDITION." Cr Boddie said he was absolutely astounded at the condition of the road. Referring to the proposed expenditure of £4O on the Waitete Road, he thought the maintenance of the Awakino Road was of more importance than this road, and he did not think this money should be allocated until some decent adjustment had been made. "There is no doubt about it," said Cr Boddie, "the road is in a diabolical condition." Cr Lorigan stated that the road had been a "nightmare" to the council for years, and they had spent a lot of money on this road that they were really not entitled to spend. He agreed that firm steps were necessary in dealing with the Waitomo County Council as far as this road was concerned. He really be* lieved the county council was "only using" the borough, and were certainly not doing the right thing in trying to avoid their obligations regarding the upkeep of this road. Cr Rothery remarked that the county council had embodied a specification in their contracts calling on contractors to repair all damage to the road caused by motor-lorries engaged in carting metal, etc., in connection with county works. "This is really an acknowledgment of their obligation," concluded Cr Rothery, "and I don't see why they shouldn't face the music."

Finally, the Mayor moved that the question of the damage to the Awakino Road be left in the hands of the Mayor and Crs Rothery and Cheal. This was duly seconded and car* ried.