MAIN HIGHWAYS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10384, 1 May 1925, Page 4

MAIN HIGHWAYS

TWO BOARDS ADVOCATED. LARGER SUBSIDY REQUESTED. "That the County Council press for the establishment of separate Highways Boards for the North and South Islands and urge for a £ for £ subsidy on maintenance work on roads," was a motion carried unanimously by the Ashburton County Council to-day. The Chairman (Mr W. G. Gallagher) said there was a movement on foot for the formation of separate boards. There would be dissatisfaction until this had been brought about. The South Island shculd press the Government and the Highways Board for a £ for £ subsidy on maintenance work, as the present £1 subsidy for £2 spent was not meeting the position. Mr\ W. T, Lill said the present arrangement would result in squabbles as to whetheFTe-forming roads was construction or maintenance work. The doubling of the subsidy would obviate ihis. At the recent conference of Canterbury and Southland Progress Leagues it was stated that the North Island had a much larger number of motor cars than had the South, and that a large amount of money was lying ready for use in the S-uth Island, linon its being asked for. Fe believe.) the County Councils, who had charie of the roads, were more suitable to condurl •(inferences on these matters than Progress Leagues. He moved the motion •is above. Mr C. Reid said the two Islandwere entirely different in the matter <f roads. The'South Island had its roadalready made, and required in the main only maintenance ccfits, whereas '•he North Island had many roads yet to make.