GONVILLE WOKKS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15836, 5 June 1919, Page 9

GONVILLE WOKKS.

COMPLETING THE SUBURB’S SERVICES. COMPREHENSIVE REPORT BY ENGINEER. At last night’s meeting of the Gonville Town Board, the Engineer (Mr G. A. McDonald) tabled a comprehensive scheme of work necessary to put Gonville completely “in order.” Iho schedule of works proposed composed road improvements, and water and drainage extensions. Among the reading proposals are the tar grouting of the whole of Queen’s Avenue (Heads Road,, and of the main roads through which the tramways run, several miles of asphalted footpaths, wie bulking or renewing of practically every road in the district, and concrete kerbing for every footpath, the formation of a walk along the whole river frontage, and various other works. The water proposals include an additional feeder main from the Borough into Gonville. Appended was also a schedule of reductions, showing what work could be left over till a future period without impairing the efficiency of what was designed for present needs. In a brief explanation, the Engineer said that, in the first place, the estimates of cost were based on present-day prices. There were two alternative schemes, one costing .£14,126 more than the other, as it provided for more works. Some of the proposed works were absolutely essential as soon as possible. The remainder would also be needed from time to time, but it would be for the Board to say what it would go on with. His instructions had been to prepare a complete report, and the one he submitted included everything required to provide for present and future needs. The money required would probably not bo spent all at once, but raised and spent over a period of years, and this would be a matter for the Board to decide. The matter was discussed informally by the Board, and members congratulated the Engineer on the very complete and comprehensive scheme he had drawn up. It was decided to discuss the proposals at the next meeting, to allow members to familiarise themselves with the details in the meantime. THE ENGINEER’S REPORT. In a report referring to the proposals as outlined in the schedule, the Engineer stated; No. I.—l have prepared a comprehensive scheme for youf perusual, which is .£14,126 in excess of scheme No. 3, and which aggregates £62,111. Vvithout further comment on No. 1 scheme, i think it may be left alone just here, because this proposal includes work which I feel safe in stating will not be required for a decade, even if that early. No. 2.—The estimates for this proposal as scheduled amount to £47,938, and here again I have shown reductions in the water mains which would, if adopted, reduce the amount to £41,819. In the meantime I have left the figures at that amount pending your combined suggestions for further reductions. You will note that I have estimated separately for a tar grouted road alongside the tram routes, also the whole length of Queen’s Avenue. Should you adopt same, I don’t think you need have any fear for their future maintenance for many years to come. If, say, two miles were put down next summer, the maintenance cost would be practically nil for the next ■!)- to 4 years, when they would require a top dressing at a cost of about £240 per mile, after which they should carry o na further lengthy period. You will also notice that Belmont metal is to be used exclusively for this work, and I have also specified same to he off the tram track, which I am of opinion will reduce the maintenance cost considerably of both track and road by encouraging the traffic, along a defined route, leaving the track of easy access for repairs and reducing the wear of gravel alongside the rails. The only street likely to be more costly in maintenance is Pnriri Street, from Totara Street to Castlecliff boundary, which is, as you are aware, practically waterlogged in wet weather, but this will be overcome when the sewer is installed. By reducing the width of tar macadam to 15ft it leaves the road easy to cross in cases of water or drainage connections, which in many cases could be tunnelled through without disturbing the surface. I have also provided for a few miles of asphalted footpaths, which, if adopted, should suffice for a few years, and there are a number of miles of kerbed footpaths and road trimming which requires considerable consideration before final adoption. I have scheduled estimates for proposed extension of Cambridge Street, to Koromiko Road, also formation of part of River Bank Road near Carlton Terrace, as well as two footpaths along tho hank at Beach Road and Carlton; these works, whilst ‘ not absolutely necessary, are most desirable, especially Carlton Terrace and Cambridge Street Extension, as one would be used very much by convalescents from the Hospital as a source of recreation, the other more so by residents over the district for business. Water Extension.—With this schedule I have provided fully for the requirements for the district for many years to come, and in Schedule No. 2 I have shown considerable reductions, which I do not think advisable to further reduce. In showing the Gin size in the Smithfield and Mosstown portion of the district, I had in view the installation of a second water meter and supply from that end, and coupling up with Pnriri Street via Toi' and Totara Streets, which would then give us a complete circuit besides increasing the flow to Castlecliff very considerably. Drainage.—This work as scheduled provides for draining the whole district, which at present is not sewered. Here also reductions may be made, especially in Fox Road, Brougham Street, etc. but I shall leave this as it is at present, for your directions in th£ matter. A most desirable work is the extension along Pnriri Street to Nikau Street which would then release all the surface water along the recreation grounds by intercepting the flow in Totara Street. I have provided for a large sewer here in view of future developments of the adjoining lands, and have kept- tho sewers at euch a level that all the land in the vicinity can be sewered when cut up and roaded. The only place where uncertainty exists is Totara Street North, but to be on the safe side, I have made provision for a 12in eewer to Toi Street . You will note that I have shown a 9in sewer in Toi Street from Manuka Street to Totara Street; this I have done with a view to relieving the flooding which occurs on _ the properties in this locality, and which could he constructed in a very short time compared with Puriri