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Xll
new ones; and although the openings made by Gas
and Water Companies are in themselves one great
cause of dilapidation in roadways, it is astonishing
how long some apparently defective work may be
made to last with care and tolerably constant attendance,
and it is to this preservation of existing
paved surfaces that I direct my attention as far as
possible, never suggesting even a re-lay, let alone
re-paving with new stone, until it is evident that
that previously existing is no longer trustworthy;
and I am induced, as far as practicable to adopt and
recommend this course, though more troublesome
to myself, from the great cost of paving works
generally, especially where new material is required.
It will be seen that the Vestry have executed no
works of magnitude with the exception of substituting
McAdam for pitched paving in Tichborne Street,
and re-laying a portion of the upper part of the
Haymarket, where the existing granite cubes were
replaced by some in store in the Stone Yard, at a
trifling expense. The time of the small number of
men permanently employed by the Vestry (and in
my opinion the fewer the better,) has been absorbed
in repairs and in making good the paving where
disturbed by the Gas or Water Companies, or private
individuals from any cause, a considerable portion
of the money so expended by the Vestry being in
various ways reimbursed.