HIGHWAYS FUND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 246, 31 July 1935, Page 7

HIGHWAYS FUND

ANOTHER GOVERNMENT RAID.

ACTION RESENTED BY MOTORISTS (Per Press Association). PALMERSTON N., July 30. What was described by the chairman as a blow aimed at the Highways Board and so far-reaching in its possibilities that the Union would be lacking in its duty if it failed to draw attention to the matter, was brought to the notice of the executive of the North Island Motor Union to-day by the president (Mr W. A. O’Callaghan). He was referring to the Eglinton Valley - Milford road, the completion of which was now to be entrusted by the Government to the Highways Board, the road having been declared a main highway by the Minister. The estimated" 'cost of completing the job is £150,000. Mr O’Callaghan stated that the usual practice was for the Highways Board to go into the necessity of each case, and then to make a recommendation to the Minister in regard to the gazetting of a main highway, but in this instance the Minister gazetted the road without any such recommendation. When the Board was established it was understood that it would be free from political influence. The Board had pointed out that there were other works requiring attention and could not see its way to make a recommendation favouring the Eglinton road, but in spite of this tlie burden of completing the road was being forced on the Board. “Bow can any national loading scheme be administered if it is to he the plaything of politicians?” asked Mr O’Callaghan. “How can the roading authorities- possibly plan properly for the future if the highways expenditure is# to revert to political control which, in such matters, thinks electorates rather than nationally? As there is a principle involved, it was decided to take all possible steps to prevent the Government from pushing the Remainder of the road on to the shoulders of the Board.