WANGAMOA ROAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 6 April 1922, Page 4

WANGAMOA ROAD

HEAVY TRAFFIC DEPU RATION FROM SAWMILLERS' ASSOCIATION ... A deputation on behalf of the Sawmillers’ Association, consisting of Messrs J. Robertson and J. Webicy, waited on the Waimea County Council to-day in connection with the proposed enforcement of the heavy traffic by-law at the end of the’ month, Mr Robertson said August and September were looked upon as the worst months, and the association did not see why one industry should be penalised and not others. Motor cars did just as much, if not more, damage to the roads than the timber waggons. The portion of the road under the jurisdiction of the Council was in better repair now, he said, than it had been for three years past. There were three stores at the other end ol the road depending on their supplies from Nelson. The association asked that before the by-law was enforced six months’ notice instead of one month should be given. The sawmillers look every reasonable care of the road. Mr Wehley pointed out that there was no regular steamer service between Nelson and Blenheim, and timber waggons were not solely responsible for the wear and tear of the road. In reply to Or. Drummond, the deputation said the limber waggons used 4-incli tires. Replying to Cr. Berryman, Mr Robertson said he did not think the association would object by-law being enforced at short notice in’ very wet weather. Mr Robertson said the service cars did a great deal ol damage to Hie road in wet weather. Cr. Corder pointed out that during the last, three years about £I2OO annually had been spent on the road. It was impossible for the Council to continue expenditure at that rale. The revenue from this portion of the county was only about £llO a year, lie knew there, would he a hardship if the timber industry was stopped, but the Council had to make a cut in its expenditure somewhere. He expressed sympathy with the waggoners, and he did not/think the Council would lake an arbitrary view of the matter, and would only‘ stop traffic when absolutely necessary. The acting-chairman informed the deputation that the Council would take a reasonable view of the matter. In the ensuing discussion, ‘ councillors expressed the opinion that mail cats did far more damage to roads than the limber waggons. Or. Berryman pointed out. that the heavy motor cars now had to pay a tire lax. r . '■ It was eventually decided to give the Engineer discretionary power to enforce, the by-law as he thinks fit, to apply, to the whole of the county. j