WORKS ABOUT TOWN

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9206, 7 April 1938, Page 2

WORKS ABOUT TOWN

FOREMAN'S REPORT TO COUNCIL

STORM WATER DRAINAGE VICTORIA STREET BRIDGE A summary of works completed and receiving attention during the past month was presented to the Waihi Borough Council at its meeting last evening by the foreman, Mr F. G. Bourke, as follows: Borough Maintenance: The usual borough maitnenance in the matter of the cleansing of the main and side streets storm water channels, together Avith the folloAving footpaths, have received attention: The entire length of Bradford Street on both sides, cleaned and gravelled; Robin

Street, cleaned and gravelled; Walmsley road, Dobson Street, EA'ans

Street, Mackay Street and Waitete

road, together with the Avater chan-

nels in these streets have also been attended to. Victoria Street Traffic Bridge: Good progress has been made Avith the concrete foundations supporting the two main anchor Avails in connection Avith the reconstruction of the Victoria Street traffic bridge. The original intention being to reconstruct this bridge of entirely reinforced concrete, but the cost of the steel required for the carrying of the roads likely to be encountered is almost prohibitive. The chairman and members of the Works Committee visited this Avork on Saturday, April 2, Avhen the position Avas fully explained and seeing that the existing span of the bridge Avill be lessened by 17 feet, leaving upon completion of the work a span of 20 feet., and having the requisite timbers in stock, decided, oAving to the high cost of material, to proceed with the Avork accordingly. Borough Bridges: During the past month the folloAving bridges have been repaired: Moresby Avenue footbridge—Timber supports have had to be reneAved, together Avith decking on portion of the footbridge. The main supports and timber sheeting on the traffic portion of the bridge are in such a condition that the roadAvay is in a state of subsidence. Temporary measures are being taken to make traffic safe by the placing of running boards betAveen the road and the bridge. I have to again respectfully point out to the council the urgency of the Avork in connection with this bridge and Avith this end in vieAv plans are being prepared for presentation to the council at an early date. I have to report that during the month past the Avooden protection

rain in connection Avith the Walker Street footbridge had been deliberately broken, my opinion being that the damage was caused by the use of a blunt instrument. Damage to the tar-sealed track leading from the eastern end of the bridge to the extent of 20s Avas also caused, apparently by the use of the same instrument. The matter has been reported to the local police. Slevin Street bridge—Repairs have also been effected to this bridge, Avhicli is in a very bad condition. The sheeting "’hicli supports the roadAvay had to be removed.

County Grader: During the month the county grader has been employed on Junction road, Walmsley road, Barry road, Symonds Street and portions of Grey Street and Walker Street.

Tar Sealing: The works of completing the programme of tar sealing borough streets, etc., has been retarded owing to a breakdown at the Auckland gasworks. In the meantime extensive patching has been carried out by means of Colfax mix on streets and footpaths, particular attention being directed to water and gas pipe line cuttings and other street openings.

Storm Water Drainage: The work of abating the long-standing nuisance caused by the lodgement of storm water at the intersection of M ilson Street and Tauranga road has been overcome by the construction of a concrete dished storm water channel 33 feet long by 3 feet 2 inches wide laid to permanent level and grade. The grading of the roadways at this intersection, together with tar-sealing the same, will com- 1 plete the work.

Open Water Courses: A.-; instructed, a general clean-up of the open waver course under the Kenny Street wooden traffic bridge has been effected during the past month. The work consisted of the cutting and clearing away of willow tree branches and trimming of side-banks and the removal of a complete blockage about three chains from the southern side of the said bridge, thus allowing the water to flow freely, which is now satisfactory. Work of a similar nature lias been carried out in connection with the opcji water course running through Mr Thomas’ property extending from Union Street to the concrete culvert across George Street. Seddon Memorial: The work of reconditioning tlie Seddon Memorial in 4 Seddon Street, as authorised, is in pi ogress. Conditions of the required work have been drafted and signed.

Water Supply: As instructed, I interviewed Mr Radford re domestic water supply to his residence in Moore Street. An endeavour to compromise with Mr Radford on be-

mlf of the council failed. The dist-

ance of the necessary pipe line is 1400 feet and having sufficient se'eomllmnd piping in stock there is no alternative but to recommend that liese pipes be used and tlie work proceeded wits. i am*,?* Baker Street Water Supply: The turncock reports having completed the renewal of the main water supplyon the southern side of Baker Street. The distance is 3IS feet. The quarterly readings of the borough water meters have been attended to. Periodical inspections of the reservoirs and the main pipe line

have been made during the month, there being no leakages during this period on the main pipe line to report. Minor leakages and general complaints have received attention. It was decided to proceed with the work of putting in the pipe line to Mr Radford’s property. The report was adopted*