The committee had also heard the views of visiting experts, and had now received a final report from the city engineer on the subject, in which he recommended that Trinidad natural asphalt be used.
This was in accordance with the committee's previous proposals and present opinion, and it was accordingly recommended that an order be placed forthwith for the 450 tons of Trinidad asphalt, with the necessary flux required for doing the initial portion of the work, together with the mixing machinery, paving tools, and other plant requisite for preparing and laying the asphalt.
The total estimated cost of the asphalt, flux, and plant, landed in Dunedin, was 10,316, but that sum would probably be subject to a reduction in view of the fall in freight rates from America to New Zealand.
Cr Wilson, in moving the adoption of the report, said the committee wished to have no further delay, because before the summer was over they desired to have a good portion of the paving done. Cr Calder seconded the motion. The report was adopted.
Taieri flooded
Mosgiel: The rain on Monday was the cause of a good deal of flooding on the Taieri, and in several cases stock had to be removed to higher ground. Some of the older residents say that they can scarcely remember so much water gathering on the paddocks in such a short space of time.
The rainfall on Monday was 2.02in. Water spreads quickly just now, as the ground has had a good soaking with recent small floods. While most of the small water-courses were running high, the Lee Stream was flooded to an unusual extent.
Yesterday, as the rain cleared off, a fair amount of the water drained away, but to-day rain has again set in, and the prospects are not too bright. If the rainfall up country is heavy, and causes the rivers to rise, the Plain is in a poor state to receive it.
The rain on Monday made no appreciable rise in the Taieri River, as registered at the West Taieri bridge. The Silverstream and Owhiro were carrying a good flow of water, but both fell considerably last night.
Oturehua: After a few days' mild weather, rain set in on Monday morning, and quickly turned to snow, the hopes of an early spring being disappointed. There is over 3in of snow on the ground yet, and it is freezing hard. There was 15deg of frost last night.
Vegetable Club meets
The opening meeting of the Vegetable Club formed under the auspices of the Dunedin Horticultural Society was held in the Technical College last night.
Messrs Hollingsworth and Fleming consented to act as instructors, and it was intimated that the services of two other well-known enthusiasts would also be available as instructors. It was decided that the district be divided as far as possible into sections, and that the services of an instructor be available for each section.
Mr Vickers was appointed secretary. Mr Hollingsworth gave a very interesting lecture on vegetable cultivation, and consented to give a demonstration to members regarding the preparation of ground and seed growing at the Benevolent Institution.
- ODT, 7.8.1919.
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