PUBLIC WORKS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 198, 19 May 1936, Page 8

PUBLIC WORKS

Cabinet’s Full Day On Details MORE EMPLOYMENT Abolition of Relief Jobs “NO END OF URGENT REQUIREMENTS” Details of the Government's Public Works policy which were announced In general terms last Thursday by the Minister of Public Works, Hon. R. Semple, formed practically the sole topic for discussion at a long Cabinet meeting yesterday, it was stated last night by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. The Government Is determined to have plans for urgent public works prepared almost immediately so that they can be put into operation without delay. “We have spent practically the whole of the day in considering future avenues for employment,” the Prime Minister said at the conclusion of the Cabinet meeting. “During the last few years the necessity for public works of lasting value has been overlooked In the desire to provide relief works. As already stated, we are abolishing relief works, and we are aiming at the provision of works which will result in the formation of national assets, justifying the employment of men in large numbers and at standard rates of pay. “Every member of Cabinet has been asked to prepare a list of the requirements of his departments with regard to public buildings and other facilities. These lists are to be prepared as soon as possible in order of urgency and they will be sent forward to the PublicWorks Department, which will be charged with the task of preparing actual plans and getting the most urgent works in hand with the absolute minimum of delay. “There appears to be no end of urgent requirements in this particular direction. Some centres require new Government offices, there is a widespread demand for additional post office and mental hospital accommodation, and roadlng and .railway programmes are capable of vigorous development. The Minister of Railways, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, has been asked to report on all uncompleted railway lines. The East Coast line is going ahead at present It will be only a question of time when work on the South Island Main Trunk line will be resumed. Other uncompleted lines will receive consideration according to urgency.” Mr. Savage said that details would not be settled until reports had been received from all Ministers. The matter of completing Parliamentary Buildings—a task postponed so often that it seemed almost impossible of fulfilment —had not received specific consideration. Nor had the Auckland Harbour Bridge proposal been mentioned specially, although he had received representations on the matter some weeks ago and had asked the Minister of Public Works to have a report prepared as a guide for the Government. The construction of aerodromes and landing grounds throughout the Dominion would also receive consideration, the Prime Minister continued, and reports would be obtained on works already proceeding as well as those •planned for the future. “There is plenty of work to bo done,” Mr. Savage saidj “and our aim is to have the work so planned and organised that it will be carried through to the benefit of the country as a whole.”