A POLICY QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3280, 27 July 1911, Page 5

A POLICY QUESTION.

BUILDING OF BOROUGH ROADS.

MATTER TO BE GONE INTO

On the agenda paper for the Borough Council meeting last night, Cr. Webb’s name was down opposite a notice of motion asking that the Borough Engineer he asked to furnish a report as to the cost of putting Gladstone Road in order in readiness for the laying down of the borough tramway. When the question was reached, Cr. Webb said that it was clear that nothing could be done with Gladstone Road with the small amount set apart for the work under the loan proposals. Only £240 was allowed for this purpose, which was not enough to cut down the crown and then re-metal it. If they intended to proceed at once with the laying down of the tramline, they would have to do it on the present road. It would take all the money allowed under the loan to cover the section from Roebuck Road to Kaiti bridge one stone in depth. He would like an expression from the Engineer as to what was intended to be done.

Cr. Darton said this was a policy question. The Council had not yet decided what class of road it was going to lay down. They should devote a whole night to the discussion of road formation, which was of vital importance to the town. Cr. Collins said that the amount set apart for Gladstone Road under the loan proposals was based on a report by Mr. Marchant, who had made his estimate on Kaitaratahi gravel. Councillors agreed that the Council should adopt a fixed policy in regard to road formation, and set apart a night to go into the whole question. Cr. Webb said he would he quite satisfied if this were done, and on that understanding he withdrew his motion.