MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 96, 18 January 1924, Page 8

MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD

MEETING IN WELLINGTON MEMBERS TO VISIT DISTRICT COUNCILS REGULATIONS FOR PROCEDURE A tremendous amount of routine work, in the preparation of rules for the procedure of local authorities and district highways councils, was done at yesterday’s meeting, of the Main Highways Board, held in Wellington. From the correspondence it Had received in the meantime, the board acknowledged that its functions and tlie duties and responsibilities of local authorities' and highways councils had not yet been thoroughly understood. It was reported that all the highways councils were now complete and operating, with the exception of Ashburton. It was resolved that the Dominion be divided among the members of the board, with a view to personally answering any inquiries or clearing up doubts. Mr. Wynyard, residing in Auckland, will, if desired by the highways councils, meet them and go into any difficulties they have, explaining any points that may seem obscure. He will, if necessary, look into the question of which roads should be “declared” main roads ”nder the Act, in the event, of there being any disagreement. Mr. Jull will perform ,a like service for the central portion of the North Island. Mr. Bruce doing the main portion of the East Coast of the South Island, nnd the Government representatives (Messrs. Furkert, Murray, and Godfrey).the remaining portions. A lengthy discussion took place on the qnatter of procedure, and a good deal of time was spent in preparing rules for the guidance of councils. The regulations have not yet been finalised, Messrs. Murray and Godfrey being deputed to get them into shape, witn every consideration for the feelings of those interested, and so that they may not be regarded as in the nature of “red tape” by the district highways councils or local authorities. / Asked as to the reported statement that Wanganui had withdrawn frpm the Main Highways Board, the chairman (Mr. Furkert) said that the boardhad received no official advice. The' Wanganui representatives were attending the highways council meetings, and doing their work in common with tihe rest.