HIGHWAYS STILL OPEN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19694, 28 July 1938, Page 4

HIGHWAYS STILL OPEN

OTOKO SLIP DOWN AGAIN

SURFACES' SORRY STATE

METAL DEPOSITS LOW

Although there was a slip down on the road on the section on the Rakauroa side of Otoko early this morning, it was reported later that all highways to Gisborne were open. On account of the continued heavy rain, however, the surfaces of the roads were in a parlous condition, and none was recommended.

If the wet weather continued, said Mr. O. G. Thornton, district engineer, nothing done to the roads could last. As poon as one slip was attended to there was sure to be another down, even if only of small proportions.

The reason for the broken surfaces on some sections was that most of the metal deposits had been exhausted and none could be obtained from the rivers at present. It was difficult to maintain the surface under the present conditions. They were all right after the grader had been operating, but the improvement was not lasting. The usual supplies of metal had not been taken from the rivers last autumn as it was impossible to work in the stream beds.

In his report this morning the relieving resident A.A. patrol, Mr. D. C. Cummings, said that there was little change from yesterday. He would not recommend any of the roads to-day to any other than drivers of experience in wet weather driving.