CORRESPONDENCE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4984, 17 April 1889, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE.

The following correspondence appeared in this morning’s paper —

Sib, —In your issues of Friday, Monday, and Tuesday last, a discussion has been going on about improving the footpaths in your town. “ Ratepayer ” says one thing and the mayor says another. Now I think it is possible to please both at a moderate cost. As matters stand “ Ratepayer ” cannot have the footpath asphalted at present because ho wants the kerbing and channelling done to define the footpath, remove stenches, etc., and present an appearance in keeping with the town ; and the mayor cannot have his kerbing and channelling done on account of the great coat, and prefers to have a strip of the footpath asphalted. Now both are right, for “ Ratepayer ” says if you visit certain places such as Temuka, Ashburton, and Waimate, you will find the footpaths defined by kerbing and channelling, although the the footpath may be pure gravel and by no means comfortable to travel upon, and the mayor says the coat of kerbing and channelling is so great that it is out of the question to think of doing that, but prefers to have a strip of asphalt laid, done without line or anything else and can scarcely be perceived in places, beyond that it looks like a hard-trodden sheep track having no finish, and rather poverty stricken. I would bring them a little closer together by having the kerbing done first. This defines the footpath. This is carried straight and level, or on a certain grade according to the levels laid down in the town. Stone or concrete would do, although the latter would be cheaper and look better when plastered, make good the ground by ramming on the inner side, insert or 3 x 1 b.p. batten on outer side, half width of path, then lay down the space with asphalt. This appears to me as though both would be suited and further discussion stopped at about the same cost as the mayor quotes for kerbing and channelling without the asphalt. I am, &c., A COHNCIMOE.