J
COPY.
Hon: C. S..
Condosure 1.
RECO
C.O
49376
22
RES 1600T16
I herewith forward a statement showing the lengths of roads which have been treated with tar or asphaltic compounds during the past few years. It is no exaggeration to say that the surfacing of the roads in the Colony has been revolutioniz- -ed since Mr. Perkins was placed in charge of the work.
2.
The benefits of the new methods adopted were well illustrated during the recent rainstorms, when fully 21 inches of rain fell in 3 days. Under the conditions previously existing, large sums would have had to be expended in restoring road-surfaces after such a rainfall, whereas, practically no damage occurred to road-surfaces during the period in question.
3.
In applying the new methods of surfacing, the work has been carried out departmentally, under the supervision of Mr. Perkins and a considerable saving has resulted to Goverment in consequence. The adoption of such methods of surfacing involves considerable risk of failure, but I am pleased to be able to state that the work carried out departmentally under Mr. Perkins' special supervision has been thoroughly successful, The Standard Oil Co's own expert in such work stated that he himself had never succeeded in obtaining better results.
(BD.) W. Chatham,
Director of Public Works.
18.8.16.