MATERIAL FOR ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19604, 5 April 1927, Page 11

MATERIAL FOR ROAD.

CONCRETE NOT TO BE USED. DECISION AT MOUNT EDEN. The merits of concrete and bitumen for road work were discussed by the Mount Eden Borough Council last evening, when the estimate for laying down Burnley Terrace in bitumen or concrete were presented by the borough engineer. The estimate for constructing an 18ft. concrete centre, sin. deep and 1500 ft. long, with bituminous metal shoulders, was £3125, while the price quoted for laying down the whole road in bitumen was £2550, a difference of £575. The amount allocated by loan for the work was £2899. Mr. J. Rogers, the borough engineer, said the road was used a great deal and he considered bitumen would be totally inadequate owing to the heavy traffic. He recommended that the road should be done in concrete. The Mayor, Mr. E. R. Potter, said the road had * been declared a heavy traffic thoroughfare, and he was firmly convinced the ratepayers expected it to be concreted. Some councillors supported the Mayor's statement, but others said the ratepayers had ( been informed bitumen would be used. " Concrete is being used all over the Dominion with this class of road," said Mr. W. G. Lange. "It will last much longer than bitumen." Mr. F. Morris: Concrete will not last as long without maintenance. Mr. Lange: I am also backing it because our engineer has; and he ought to know. Mr. Morris- You are throwing monev away. After further discussion a motion that the road should be concreted was defeated by 7 votes to 5. ** An amendment that the alternative proposal of bituminising the road be referred to the Works Committee for consideration was carried.