MANAWATU GORGE ROAD.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2693, 11 July 1923, Page 8

MANAWATU GORGE ROAD.

MEETING Ol" BOARD OF • CONTROL. A meeting of tho Manawatu Gorge Road Board of Control was held yesterday, The Mayor (Mf. F. .1. Nathan) presided and (here were also presentMessrs. P. J. Small. O. Mcllroy, P. Cornelius, R. S. Chadwlck and M. Grainger. ENGINEER'S REPORT. During the past month the engineers had experienced the most inclement weather that has occurred for many years, consisting of continuous light, and soaking rains, with the result that there had been 21 slips ranging from 5 cubic yards to 300 cubic yards, the latter taking place on j June '24, necessitating the road beijig closed from June 24 to 2S (four days). On one occasion a rock estimated to | weigh 7 tons, came from the hillside and fractured 20 lineal feet of new concrete parapet and deck. which 1 had only been placed in position three days previously—this had been replaced and made good. At present (he roadway was in anything but good condition, the recent heavy traf- 1 fie (during Show Week and DanneVirke races) and exceptionally wet; weather being responsible for thisj state. During four days of the Show Week 439 cars passed over the road | (counting one way only), and it was' quite probable that this number made! the return ourney. 340 cubic yards! of rock have been excavated for J column and sill foundations, and 104 cubic yards of concrete placed on site ] in 24 columns and 21 S lineal feet of walls, slabs, beams and kerbing. The weather conditions added to the f;#f that, several workmen have been laid up with influenza had somewhat _ delayed the work, but nevertheless gCo-'l progress had been made. Temporary cribwork (in timber) had been placed in position—on old portion of road — in places made unsafe by the heavy rains. Copies of tho by-laws had been printed and it was recommend-1 ed that they be completed as soon as possible as under present conditions! we are unable to control the traffic! They suggested that until the works! were completed cattle and sheep be j not allowed on the road, as they crushed and got on to the newly laid concrete work thereby damaging j same. Tip's (Mass of .stock could easily! use the Pahiatua track.

The question of the damage t* the newly-formed concrete works by stock was discussed. The chairman po'"ted out that fences were ipiite inadequate to keep stock off the work. If was decided to cose the road to stock unless the permission of the engineer was obtained* 'ft was resolved to limit the load carried through the gorge fo 5 tons.