MAIN HIGHWAYS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 150, 19 March 1924, Page 8

MAIN HIGHWAYS

DECLARATION OF ROADS DELEGATION OF BOARD’S POWERS QUESTION OF MAINTENANCE An interesting statement, regarding the declaration of roads as main highways, is made by the Main Highways Board, which has completed its sittings in Wellington. "The board has decided on the roads in the whole Dominion to be declared main highways,” it is announced. "Prior to such declaration, however, it was resolved to communicate, through the district highways councils, with the different county councils, asking that tiuiy continue the maintenance of these roads, on behalf of the board, pending definite arrangements between' the board and the county councils, lor the delegation of the powers of the board, in respect of such roads. “This course is necessary to secure the continuance of the maintenance of the roads, for, under the operation of the declaration of a road as a main highway, it (the maintenance) passes out pf the hands of the County Council into those of the board. "The board’s general policy is to delegate its powers on a main highway to the local body, subject to the standaid of maintenance and wci ks being approved by the Main Highways Board, but there "are statutory difficulties against that being done at the present moment. “The local bodies have been asked for immediate replies, to enable the declaration of the roads as main highways to be made as early as possible.” RESIGNATION OF MEMBER. Mr. G. C. Godfrey, a member of the Main Highways Board, has resigned, and his resignation has been accepted by the board. When Mr. Godfrey was appointed to the board, he was Assist-ant-Under (Secretary of Public Works, and, as such, was in close touch with the administration of main roads. He has since, however, been appointed Secretary of Marine. The Minister stated last night that he had nominated-a successor, but had not yet been advised whether the gentleman would accept the position.