MANAWATU HIGHWAYS BOARD.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 107, 14 January 1880, Page 4

MANAWATU HIGHWAYS BOARD.

Monday, January 5, 1880! Engineer's Report. The several contractors throughout the Highways District are pushing on their work to completion. NO. 1 WARD. The formation and metalling on Lee's line of road is finished, and the contractor has made a very good job of same. Through the metal being carted over the formed and metalled road, deep ruts are cut which require filling. On this I propose to employ a man at once to do the necessary repairs. Clearing Scrub on Cemetery Road. — This work is being pushed on with, and will be finished before next meeting of this Board. The formation on Cemetery Road at Sanson is not yet finished satisfactorily, the contractor not having kept a true grade as per the section furnished to him. The drain through town belt at Sanson is not yet finished. Contractors for Wilson's line of road at Sanson are pushing on with their work in a satisfactory manner. I have let them the balance of the work of formation on Wilson's line, according to your instructions at last meeting, price for same being £50. Contractor for bush foiling and clearing on Frecklington's line have completed their work m a satisfactory manner. This line is now open right through to Frecklington's land. This road line is very wet, and will be a difficult road to drain through their being no running creeks to carry the water away. I have had a man on in this Ward doing repairs to the formed and metalled road lines. Tenders are called for metalling Fagan's line of road at Sandon. This work is to be carried out by vote from County Council. There is a great need of a few culverts on Speedy's line of road to open communication from Fagan's line to main road to Foxton, and Penny's line. NO. 2 WARD. I have called tenders for formation of Whale line of road, Carnarvon. This is another special vote from County Council to be spent on Whale line only. The contractors for River Bank Road has nearly completed his contract, there being now only some trimming, cutting catchwater drains, and slopes to embankments to alter. On the second contract of River Bank Road, the contractor is pushing on with his work. The slopes of three sand cuttings require to be scrubbed, or the said slopes will blow in holes ; and also the road itself is likely to be blown in holes at these particular spots. The small cost now will probably save the Board twice or three times the amount in a few months' time. Hickford's Line.— The formation on this road line is finished. Nothing further is done in reference to the bush-felling and clearing on the balance of this road line. If the settlers fence their sections this portion of the road line would be completely blocked for traffic. NO. 3 WARD. I have had some slight repairs done to Cemetery Road, at Foxton. This has been done from an unexpended portion of vote from County Council. NOS. 4, 5, 6, AND 7, WARDS There has been no work done in these wards during the month. The roads generally will require to be put in thorough repair before winter sets in.