THE ASPHALT BUSINESS.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3014, 12 October 1878, Page 2

THE ASPHALT BUSINESS.

(To tke Editor of the Evening Star.) ' Sib,—l see by the report of the Council that my offer to take the plant and lay asphalt for little over half the cost would not benefit either ratepayers or Council. The Council charged 4§ per yard, and the proprietor paid half. The price, I am led to believe, helped to cover the cost of filling in. Tale Pollen street. There will be very little filling, and in some places to take. off. I should hare to fill a certain depth, ot take the stuff out, as the case may require.; and I don't 'think the length of Pollen street would require' dozen loads from '*' the Borough. For instance, if A requires no filling in Pollen street, and B does in Qwen street; A has to pay for B filling in, which is the Council's duty.to make the street to its level. As for- benefit to the Borough, I should have to collect all moneys from the proprietors, and if there was any bad debts I should have to suffer. Has the Council in their estimates got the carting of materiall—sand from the beach,, tar from the gas works, and extra men P For the Foreman told me there was many thing* he did not put down to make it pay, which I should have to pay for. The Council charged the whole 4s for private work, whereas it would only cost them little over half, and be an industry which -would employ labor independent of the Borough. I was. never asked about my

offer, so how did the Council knoW.it would not be beneficial ? I suppose Mr liawdon knew all about it; therefore it must be right. As to my leaving, Mr Rawdoa's asphalt^ engineering, &c, I will'give the particulars in another letter, as I am taking up too much of your valuable space.—l am, &c, ■ < '■ , ■ R. Souet. . P.S.—Let the Council call for.tenders, and they might get it.done cheaper, with a guarantee which they have not got