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97
I may say here that it is good policy to thoroughly maintain
macadamized roads, as immediately they get out of repair the wet
remains on the surface and soaks into them, thereby considerably
hastening their deterioration. Cases also arise in which it is
cheaper to substitute a superior class of paving for roadways even,
although the first cost of such improved paving is much greater.
This is due to the excessive cost of maintenance of granite
roads under very heavy traffic, owing to the necessity of constantly
renewing the surface and the immense quantity of slop that has to
be carted away.
On the 14th of March, 1887, a report was circulated amongst
the members of the Vestry, in which I calculated that it would
save £60 a year to pave the Lillie-road with wood. Since that
date the traffic has enormously increased, so that the above amount
does not give an adequate idea of the saving that could be effected
by the change.
These remarks will also apply to the North-end-road.
Some subsidences have occurred in streets during the year,
chiefly through the breakage of drains. One occurred in Harwoodroad
in June last.
The sanding of the streets in slippery weather has received
great attention, and the purchase of a sanding machine (price £50)
has materially assisted this work.
One new sweeping machine was purchased in December last.
broken granite.
The granite supplied to this Vestry for making and repairing
the roadways is specified to be Guernsey granite and not to exceed
2½in. in its largest dimension.
The first two barge loads sent were rejected for not conforming
to this requirement, since then the material sent has been satisfactory
in every respect.
flints and ballast.
The flints used for repairing the less important thoroughfares
are obtained from Messrs. Wills & Packman, and have been supplied
in a satisfactory condition. 980 yards have been used.
The ballast has been obtained from within the parish.