SURFACING ROADS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 135, 8 May 1928, Page 8

SURFACING ROADS.

QUESTION OF COST. At the monthly meeting of the Kairanga County Council this morning reference was made to Rangitikei and Foxton Lines. Cr. Small, who brought the matter up, stated that gravel roads cost so much in maintenance that it was preferable to spend a sum of money and complete the surfacing of those roads than to go on maintaining them as at present. Flo suggested that a loan be raised to hurry tlic work through. As they would not then bo doing the work out of revenue, they might be able to make some reduction in rates. It would be cheaper and more satisfactory if the work was done in the manner suggested. Cr. Anderson inquired how it would be possible to guarantee a reduction in rates.

Cr. Cheetham gave it as his opinion that the sooner the highways were completed the better as the maintenance would bo considerably less. It was suggested by the engineer that a sub-committee be sot up to consider the matter.

Cr. Small suggested that tho work be done by contract. As far as Rangitikei Lino was concerned, Cr. Anderson was opposed to a loan being raised. If a committee was set up he was in favour of the whole council being included. The engineer stated that Rangitikei Line could be completed next year out of revenue. There was only £SOO too little on the estimates.

Cr. Cheetham inquired if the extra £SOO could not be obtained by not adding this year to the sum set aside for the maintenance of tar-sealed roads.

“Are we going to let those tar-sealed roads which ive have let go down get worse?” inquired Cr. Small, who went on to state that some roads had been nqgleeted. Experts said that tar-sealed roads should be attended to every three years, but most of their roads had been down ten years and bad not been touched.

After some-further discussion it was decided that the whole council he a committee to go into the financial asXiect of the question.