PUBLIC WORKS DEFENDED

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22110, 4 June 1937, Page 10

PUBLIC WORKS DEFENDED

SEVERAL PROJECTS SUPPORTED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STATEMENT COMMENDATION FOR MINISTER AND GOVERNMENT A defence of several public works at present in progress or prospect, particularly in Canterbury, is made by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce in a statement which was released by the council last evening. The statement was first discussed by the council in committee. "The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce has in the past advocated that the Government then in power should set up an independent board to examine the merits of various suggested public works, and favours the institution by the present Government of an authority for this purpose," says the statement. "On the other hand, this chamber does not condemn the public works at present being carried out in Canterbury, but commends the Government and the Minister for what is being accomplished. It is recognised that the Government went into power on a policy of public works expenditure to absorb many unemployed who had been engaged on most unsatisfactory relief schemes. "Whatever criticism may oe levelled at an over-expansion oi public works in New Zealand, it must be recognised that many ot the individual projects at present being carried out have much to commend them. Certain projects in progress and prospect in Canterbury of which members of this chamber's council have some personal knowledge are worthy of mention. . "The irrigation of portions or tne Canterbury plains has been a real need in Canterbury for many years, and is likely to return to the country full value for the money spent. Rakaia Bridge "The Chamber approves of the provision of a separate traffic bridge over ths Rakaia river, which will overcome grave disabilities which motor traffic has suffered on the main road from Christchurch to Dunedin for many years. Having to use the railway bridge entailed serious delays in traffic when trains were due. "The deviation at the Rangitata river and the consequent saving of seven miles on the main road to Timaru is a praiseworthy project. It has been overdue ever since motor traffic became an important factor on this road. ■ ~ "The Lewis Pass road will provide a valuable additional road communication between Canterbury and Westland and Nelson with advantages to adiacent areas. "The proposed new post office and railway station are also considered warranted by the Canterbury Chamber. It is recognised that Christchurch has been poorly catered for in the present old and inconvenient buildings which compare unfavourably with those in the other main centres. . .... •'The tunnel road is a public work now under consideration as a highway amenity between Christchurch and Lyttelton. It has a national significance in that it will prove a convenience to many travellers between the North and South Islands of the Dominion. The chamber has taken an active part in approving of the work, and asking the Government, in | conjunction with local bodies in and around the city ot Christchurch, to | put it in hand."