Public Works Policy.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16852, 4 June 1920, Page 6

Public Works Policy.

The new Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Mr Coatee, has made a statement concerning railway construction policy which will he widely approved. His idea, ho says, is to push on with the completion of all main lines in accordance with their national importance. He is drawing up a general plan for the consideration of Cabinet, with the object of ending the present method of dissipating the funds in the construction of a large number of lines throughout the country. It would be suicidal, Mr Coates says, to follow the system adopted by previous Governments. Tills is perfectly true, and it is a gratifying and important fact that what "The "Press" has been advocating for many years is at last supported by a Minister of Public Works. But we must point out to Mr Coates that while we may expect better results imdcr his plan, the reform will not be complete until the general plan of construction is taken away from political hands. Even if be draws up a thoroughly good programme, and Cabinet approves of if, and everyone can see that it is a wise programme, the competition in agita<tion and clamour will continue amongst the districts. What surprises us is that the Government does not realise that it would be spared a great deal of trouble and anxiety if the work of drawing -up the construction programme were placed in non-political hands.