TRANSPORT PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 22228, 4 January 1936, Page 20

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS

LABOUR PROMISES CLOSER CO-OPERATION

RESTORATION OF PETROL TAX HONEY [Pee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, January 3. Various aspects of the transport problem in New Zealand were discussed to-night by the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple), who is on a short visit to Auckland. Mr Semple emphasised, the necessity for greater co-ordination of tho various forms of transport, the adoption of a system of placing main arterial roads under the control of tho Main Highways Board, and the provision of bettor access roads for backblocks settlers. “ The problem with regard to transport in New Zealand are most complex,” Mr Semple said, “ and an early attempt must ibe made to improve the present position. Very shortly, I intend to call a conference of all interested parties representing transport by land, air, and sea, representatives of transport authorities, and officers of my own department. The purpose will be to discuss the whole problem on a national basis. What is needed, is close co-operation and co-ordination, the cutting out of needless overlapping and cut-throat competition, and the provision of tho speediest, safest, and most economical services for the people. There are many conflicting interests, and the problem bristles with difficulties,' but it musjfc be tackled immediately. “ I am convinced,” Mr Semple said, “ that transport generally can be organised and co-ordinated under a far better system than that which obtains at present. No effort will be spared to have such a system brought into operation as soon as possible. “ I also have in mind,” the Minister continued , “ the idea of a more efficient reading system. To my mind all main arterial reading should be under the control of the Main Highways Board. The advantages of such a policy are obvious. There would be uniformity of, construction and continuity of policy, and the board could plan ahead with regard to both construction and expenditure. To-day work is done, spasmodically, and in my opinion considerable savings could be effected. “ The petrol tax must be restored to its original purpose. In the first place it was intended that its proceeds should be used entirely on roading, but in recent years a considerable proportion of the revenue has been diverted to the Consolidated Fund for general purposes. , The roading system of the Dominion has suffered accordingly, and that state of affairs cannot continue. “More attention must be paid to back-country roads,” Mr Semple added, “ and county councils, with assistance from the Public Works Department, will be encouraged to concentrate on access and feeder roads. We are living in times of stern competition, and if the producer is given better access for bringing his goods to the market both he and the farming community generally will have a better chance in competition with the producers from overseas. A good national roading system is one of the best assets the Dominion can possess.”