Deficiency Of Metal On Rangitikei County Roads Causes Concern

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 May 1948, Page 6

Deficiency Of Metal On Rangitikei County Roads Causes Concern

(S.R.) Marton, May 6. "I feel very anxious as to what will happen in the event of a really wet spell of weather, as we cannot hope to make every road strong enough to carry traffic over the winter,” stated the engineer, Mr. H. Murray Reid, in his monthly report to the Rangitikei County Council at its meeting in Maiton today. The engineer added that a few wet days experienced two weeks ago haa caused a good deal of inconvenience on many roads in the southern area. The deficiency of gravel became very apparent and in many cases traffic was barely able to negotiate weak portions. "I have to recommend that tenders be called for the crushing and carting of approximately 2000 cubic yards of gravel on the Parewanui Road immediately, and that the work be put in hand forthwith,” the engineer stated. The chairman, Cr. K. W. Dalrymple, presided, also in attendance being Crs. A. S. Coleman, O. B. Hawken, J. R. L. Hammond,, A. D. Mair, T. C. Chisholm, J. M. B. Collier, V. Smith and G. B. Chrystall and the county clerk (Mr F. L. Nicol) and the engineer. Leave of absence was granted Cr. H. G. Stewart. "Because of the deplorable condition of the Parewanui Road, it has been necessary to have metal cartea out on to the worst portions from Wicks Pit,” the report stated. “The present condition of this road, because of lack of metal, is such that it is almost impossible to maintain anywhere near the condition that it should be for a road carrying the amount of traffic that this one does.” Due to a broken axle, one of the county power graders was off the road for a month. This was unfortunate, as the dry spell had broken and the machine could have carried out some useful work immediately after the rain had put the roads in good order for grading. Referring to the Otakapu Riding, the engineer stated that the contractor had made preparations for sealing the footpaths at Turakina, and the work would be carried out immediately. In the Porewa Riding arrangements had been made for improvement work to be carried out on Griffin’s Road, and this would be done almost immediately. Repair and protective work haa been started in the Makohau tunner (Wangaehu Riding), but progress was slow because of the shortage of cement. Willows and logs which were blocking the stream and causing erosion at the Mongara Bridge had been removed. “The contractor who was metalling the Rangitira Road (Rangitira Riding) has completed his job and the road is greatly improved,” the report stated. “There is still a fair amount of work to be carried out on this road as most of the culverts will have to be removed.” Some improvement work had been carried out by a bulldozer on the Watershed Road (Otairi Riding). The outside of the road had been levelled at some of the worst corners and the extra width made them safer for traffic. Repairs had been carried out to the Upper Kawhatau Suspension Bridge and a start had been made with overhauling the Toe Toe Roat? Bridge across the Rangitikei River. The Ngawaka Road Bridge over the Hautapu River, was being strengthened.