DRURY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 367, 16 April 1918, Page 2

DRURY

POSTAL AND RAILWAY MATTEKB

The advisability of a chain road, instead of a half-chain road as shown on the Railway Department's plans, being provided as the approach on the eastern side of the line to the new central railway station at Drury was advocated by a deputation consisting of Messrs W. H. C G'.asson, W. R. Walker and M. Ballard, who waited on the Franklin County Council last Thursday, the Council's support also being asked in regard to the proposal to establish a postoffice adjacent to the station. Mr Glasson, speaking in support of the requests, regarded the establishment of a central post office as important. He also pointed out the desirability of a chain road being provided as the approach to the station on the eastern side of the line. He asked that the Council should assist to acquire the extra land necessary to provide a full chain road, the Council to agree to take over the road when completed.

The Chairman (Cr W. C. Motion) remarked that the Council would not take over the road unless it was metalled. The Chairman added that whilst the deputation must not look to the Council to financially assist yet they would help as much as possible and if the road was in a good order when formed the Council would take it Over.

Mr Walker pointed out that a half chain road alongside a railway would be dangerous Mr Ballard suggested that if the deputation could rely on the Council's support when making application it would be a "big lever" towards their success.

The Council informed the deputation that they would consider the requests made. Subsequently the Council resolved that if the Department constructed a road 66ft in width they (the Council) would take it over land maintain it. It was also agreed that the Council should assist the settlers in the representations to be made to the Department for the provision of the road as suggested.

At the same meeting the County Engineer (Mr J. F. McArthur) reported that the Railway Department had forwarded a sketch plan showing the Department's proposals regarding road access to the new central station, and the proposed road crossings over the railway at each end of the yard. The crossing on the Waihoehoe road at Drury showed an overhead bridge 25 feet wide with approaches of 1 in 20 gradients; on the eastern side of line a corner of land is taken I.V chains by 1 ] chains to enable a low level road to be constructed to the station. The overhead bridge on the Great South Road at Runciman is also to be 25 feet wide with approaches of 1 in 20 and 30 feet in width. At the southern end a low level road is to be provided to give access to the station. On approachees to both bridges a footpath will be constructed by the Department six feet wide. The Railway Department asked if the above proposals met with the approval of the Council. The matter had been gone into thoroughly on the ground by him, and he recommended the Council to approve of the scheme as proposed with the following additions, viz , (a) That the approaches to bridges be suitably metalled, the material to be blue metal and (b) that the approaches be fenced on both sides.

The Engineer's recommendations were adopted.