STREET CLEANING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15825, 25 July 1913, Page 8

STREET CLEANING.

LARGER OUTLAY WANTED.

The Public Works Committee of the City Council last night received from tho city engineer a. memorandum with regard to street cleaning. He states that it is necessary to allocate more money for street cleaning each year, owing to the greater demand for clean thoroughfares, and also owing to tho fact that tho refuse tips in and near the city arc closed up, making cartage slower and moro costly. Extra plant is also needed, and he suggests that six new carts (costing £40 each) be provided for in next yoar's allocations. Au.other matter to which ho directs attention is tho contract system. When a spell of wet weather comes the contractors (he states) havo often been unable to fulfil orders for two or three extra teams, and havo complained that it is unreasonable to e.'.pect them to . find three extra teams for one day on short notice. "It would appear," says Mr M'Curdie, "that the time has now arrived wliijn the council should seriously consider tho advisability of cmploying its own teams. If this is done, spare horses could always be on hand for emergencies, sucli as _dust_ storms in summer and mud spates in winter." Reporting for the fortnight ended Saturday, July 19, tho engineer stated that a special effort was made to deal with the mud in tho principal thoroughfares. In Valley Witrd, owing to tramway construction on tho Main North road and drainage operations in Dalmore and other streets, the thoroughfares were sometimes in very bad condition. On tho Main North road the street broom and sweopors were kept going almost continuously, and l|in metal and screenings were put down in other parts. The streets in Leith and Central Wards received more attention (as regards cleaning) than at any period in tho past three years. Some of the blocks in King and Cumberland streets were swept with the liorso broom and clcanod with tho road scraper twice a week. Rattray street and Lower High street also received special attention during tho recent spoil of wot weather, and tho removal of tho mud has proved a very costly item. Drainage operations were tho causc of a number of the complaints from the Caversham Ward. King Edward street and Anderson Bay roa<! were swept over their entire length, and tho mud removed from the principal crossings. The motor waggon was used to tako screenings and metal from Woodhaugh to Cavcrsham—tho local quarries being rufl out. In Roslyn Ward'a horso broom was sent to deal with the mud, a new departure in that district, and one much appreciated by residents in streets where traffic is heavy.

Tlio report was received, and the proposals of tho engineer will receive tho consideration of tho committee.