GOOD ROADS MOVEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 72, 25 March 1918, Page 3

GOOD ROADS MOVEMENT.

m THE VICTORIAN SCHEME. The formation of a Good Roads Association in Auckland last Friday evening for the purpose of getting legislation on the lines of the Victorian system will naturally create some interest in that scheme. In a circular issued when calling the meeting, a synopsis of the Victorian Act was given which is of interest to all concerned. In 1913 the Victorian State Government recognised the need for some new system with regard to the roads, 'and the result was the establishment of a Roads Department, and a vote of £2,000,000 for the reconstruction of roads, which, in the opinion .of the Board, should be taken over and classified as main roads, the expenditure to be spread over five years at £400,000 per annum. A small Board of three experienced road engineers was 6et up, i which, when appointed three.years ago, I spent three months inspecting the various roads, taking evidence; ahd receiving deputations. Finally the Board i laid down its scheme of highways, and I works to be effected on the same, including re-grading and construction. Six thousand miles of' roads were . marked as highways to pass to the Board's control, and approximately £1,200,000 has already been expended. The main roads dealt with comprised j not only arterial ones, but those con- '■ necting arteries with the railways. The State was to provide 50 per cent of the capital cost,' and to lend local bodies through whose districts the roads are constructed the balance oh 33-year sinking fund terms. In addition, to the capital supplied the Board received for maintenance the. taxes paid under the Motor Car Act,- and also repayments made by the 'local bodies. The whole supervision of the work was under the supervision of the Board's engineers, in many cases local county engineers acting under them. . At any time the Board had power to assume control and carry on the work. It was claimed that by this comprehensive system there was a saving of waste in many ways, and the Government had its reward in improved land values and increased national revenue.