( 11 ) 
Generally sneaking, there are outcrops of metal 
suitable for road making at fairly frequent intervals 
throughout the Peninsula so that, in the matter of 
maintenance, the cost of transport falls within the 
limits of reasonable economy, with the exception 
of the Coast JMstricts where outcrops of suitable 
material do not occur so frequently and transport 
by sea and river has to be resorted to, usually a 
slow and tedious affair, as the native boatman is 
prone to take his own time when out of sight of 
European supervision; the alternative being to 
obtain suitable material by rail from the inland 
outcrops which adds considerably to the cost. 
The class of metal usually favoured by En- 
gineers is, in order of merit, Granite, Limestone 
and Laterite ; of these the two former are practically 
inexhaustible and are generally used on all main 
roads; the latter variety is used chiefly in agricul- 
tural districts and on the coast when obtainable. 
Under light traffic conditions laterite makes an 
ideal surface for motoring, as smooth as a well kept 
carriage drive and restful to the eye. 
A large percentage of the main trunk roads 
carrying heavy traffic have been treated with bitu- 
minous products, thus adding greatly to hygienic 
conditions and the comfort of travellers. 
The use of waterproofing material has been 
found to prevent wash and scour on the metalled 
surfaces caused by tropical rains ; it provides an 
excellent surface for motor traffic and prolongs the 
life of the metal. 
