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This shows a rainfall of 7.50 inches more than last year, and
that rain or snow fell on 19 more days this year than last year.
During the month of February there was a somewhat heavy snow
storm, and from the 11th to the 14th, inclusive, 809 men were
engaged in clearing the paths, &c. There were also 14 ploughs
at work clearing away the snow, and 157 horses employed, together
with several revolving street sweepers. During the winter 897
loads of burnt ballast, sand or grit were spread upon the roads
throughout the District, when in a slippery condition by reason of
frost. Notwithstanding the heavy rainfall, the roads are in a fairly
good condition, and I do not hear of any complaints, except from
cyclists. I understand they complain of the roads generally
throughout the Kingdom. It appears to me that such slight
machines as bicycles and tricycles with three-quarters of an inch
tyres, are not suitable to travel upon an ordinary Macadam road.
For some years I have been gradually introducing granite for
maintaining the roads, as being more suitable to the increasing
traffic upon them. It lasts longer than flint, there is less slopping
in winter, and not so much watering in summer, consequently it is
economical in every way. Granite makes a very hard and firm
road, but unfortunately does not wear evenly. This, together
with its hardness, causes a good deal of vibration and concussion,
which is disagreeable to cyclists when riding over them. A good
cinder or gravel path is quite sufficient, and much better than
ordinary Macadam road for cycle travelling, and to keep the roads
up with the present traffic to the standard of easy travelling with
these machines would involve a large additional expense.
ROAD WATERING.
At Blackheath, the work in connection with road watering
was carried out by Mr. J. C. Pickernell, under contract, at 8s. 6d.
per horse, harness, and driver per day, and in Lewisham by our
own horses and men, with additional horses when required from
Messrs. W. and J. Woodham, at 7s. 6d. per horse, harness, and
driver per day.
Mr. W. Stimpson supplied the horses and drivers for watering
in the Upper Sydenham and Forest Hill and Lower Sydenham
Divisions, at 7s. Gd. and 7s. 3d., respectively, for each horse,
harness, and driver per day.