STATE CONTROL OF MAIN ROADS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 44, 20 August 1913, Page 8

STATE CONTROL OF MAIN ROADS

WOULD IT BE, DISASTROUS? "That main roads should under all circumstances be under tho control of county councijs, and the Government especially subsidise their upkeep," was a remit which led to an interesting discussion at the Counties Conference to-day. Mr. J. Clarke said there was good common-sense in the proposal. The sooner the counties system wa* done away with the better, in his opinion. Mr. D. Boyd (Bruce) said that in his county out of a general rate of £5000 £1500 had to be expended on main roads and bridges. It was too much of a drag for a small county like Bruce. Mr. J. Fieher (Waapa) moved an amendment that the matter be deferred until the conference was acquainted with the Government's proposals. The amendment was defeated. Continuing the discussion, Mr. S. Andrew (Kaikoura) pointed out that many "of the counties could not keep the main roads in a state that they warranted, and it would be in the best interests of the Dominion to bays them kept in good order. The Dominion had a large and increasing tourist traffic, and this, combined with the fact that motor traffic was coming more and more into vogue, made it still more necessary that the roods should he maintained in a fit condition. Mr. H. J. MidkHeton (Southland) opposed the proposal. " What Are main roads, 1 ' he asked. "We have at least a dozen in Southland ! There will never be a satisfactory answer to the question. By asking this of the State we ore seek- • ing to perpetuate a system of dual control which has been condemned 'all round. I think the system would be disastrous." The counties, he added, would «6t be able to maintain their present large and efficient staffs, thus increasing the cost of administration. Further discussion was postponed pending receipt of the report of the Appropriation Act Committee.