SECOND-CLASS ROADS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23281, 25 February 1939, Page 19

SECOND-CLASS ROADS

MAINTENANCE DIFFICULTIES MATAMATA COUNTY REPORT [from our own correspondent] PUTARURU, Friday Financial difficulties encountered by the Matamata County Council in maintaining roads, particularly second and third-class roads, were the subject of a report by tho engineer, Mr. M. E. Fitzgerald, at tho council's February meeting. After listing a number of roads which needed attention, the engineer said that few of these would be completed by the end of the financial year. It was probable, however, that the year would close with the main highway estimates slightly underspent and those for second and third-class roads substantially overspent. The five-year plan was some guide to the long list of developmental works to be faced next year, but there were many other items which were being pressed for. Referring to the growing cry for tar-sealed surfaces, Mr. Fitzgerald said that unsealed roads could be kept in I good condition provided money was ! available for adequate maintenance in the form of more material to replace wear and more frequent grading. The cost of sealed surfaces was more than the cost of adequately maintained unsealed surfaces unless the volume of ti*affic was greater than that generally experienced in the Matamata County.