“WAVY” SURFACE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18598, 20 June 1930, Page 8

“WAVY” SURFACE.

CRITICISM OF BITUMEN ROAD. DISCUSSION BY AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION. The “ waviness” of the bitumenised portion of the Main South Road between St. Andrews and Makikihi. was again discussed at last night’s meeting of the executive of the South Canterbury Automobile Association, when a report from a sub-committee was considered. In reply to a letter from the South Canterbury Association, the Waimate Association wrote stating that the committee were of opinion that the "waviness” of the new bitumen road would disappear. The same trouble existed on the bitumen road between Lower Kutt and Wellington when it was first laid down, but disappeared after it had been in use for a while. Mr Jenkins reported that Mr Bruce, the secretary (Mr E. A. Scott> and himself, in company with Messrs Tyndall and Simpson, representing the Main Highways Board, inspected the road on May 28. The representatives of the Association drew attention to the “wavy” nature of the road formation. Mr Tyrdhall admitted that the job was not a first-class one. but added that they could not expect much better for the price. Several tests were made, and these proved that the specifications were being carried out. In some cases the measurements were just within the required range. Mr Tyndall intimated that there appeared to be n 6 grounds whereby the contractors could be called on to do anything further. The representatives suggested that unless the specifications were amended, or the formation improved, that the moneys, expended on the present formation, and resulting in the type of road inspected, should be utilised in laying down a shorter mileage of an improved nature. The chairman (Mr W. H. Orbell) said that if they were going to have a Job done, it should be done well in the first place. Mr J. M. Jenkins said that reference had been made to the Hufct Road at Wellington, but he understood that there was a greater foundation on this road. Under the circumstances he thought that the “waviness” would have more chance to disappear than in the case of the Main South Road. The secretary (Mr E. A. Scott) said it was difficult to point cut any particular stretch of the road as defective, but motorists were complaining that the surface generally was “wavy.” this being especially noticeable on the’ journey north. It was agreed to refer the committee’s report to the Main Highways Board.