RAILWAYS AND ROADS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 224, 22 September 1938, Page 13

RAILWAYS AND ROADS.

DOMINION DEVELOPMENT.

AFFORESTATION AND FLOODS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Dealing with the Government's plans for the general development of the Dominion, the Prime Minister,, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savajje, says the maximum facilities will be provided for the improvement of secondary and main highways, with special consideration for the construction and improvements of roads in backblock areas. Railway construction schemes will be completed and extended, and public works undertakings already initiated will be completed and the programme of construction will be continued and expanded. The railway system will he modernised with the latest designs in railcars, multiple-electric units, electric locomotives, and improved engine designs and rolling stock generally. "This poycy will be continued in the future in order that our great national transport system shall become one of the most efficient in the world," says Mr. Savage.

Electricity will be made available at minimum charges for domestic needs in rural and urban areas, and special facilities will be provided for the supply of power to farmers and manufacturers at low rates to reduce production costs.

To promote land development and utilisation, irrigation works and swamp drainage will be extended by modern methods.

Afforestation schemes will he carried out, with provision for the maximum economic utilisation of the products, and a special department will be established for the prevention of river erosion and the cleaning of river beds, and the planting of hills, with a view to avoiding the disastrous floods which have been experienced during the past 10 years.