Road Works Problem

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31499, 13 October 1967, Page 26

Road Works Problem

(N.Z Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Oct. 12.

Road contractors would face difficulties because of recent cuts in the revenue of the National Roads Board, the commercial road users’ representative on the board, Mr D. D. Merritt, said at the national conference of the Road Carriers’ Association yesterday.

He said that more of the work being done by local bodies and the Ministry of Works should be diverted to private firms. Because of the country’s economic difficulties, the Government had reduced the board’s income by $6.6 million. The reductions would have a severe effect on the work of the board. Few new contracts involving State highway earthworks could be let

and some essential work would be eliminated. It would be necessary to

concentrate on strengthening existing road surfaces, rather than on undertaking expensive reconstruction.

Motorway progress would be slowed and the extension of sealing reduced. Many contractors would be left with redundant plant and other specialised equipment because there would not be enough reading work to keep the contracting industry fully employed. “On a temporary basis this would be serious enough,” he said, “but we are told that the funds taken are now to be a permanent appropriation to the Consolidated Fund."

Something should be done urgently to keep contractors alive and healthy, he said.