HIGHWAYS BOARD WORK

Evening Star, Issue 22686, 28 June 1937, Page 15

HIGHWAYS BOARD WORK

RAPID GROWTH OF MOTOR ROADS [Per United Press Association.] THE HERMITAGE, June 26. A review of the activities of the Main Highways Board was given to the delegates who attended the quarterly meeting of the South Island Motor Union at The Hermitage. by Mr M. H. Wynyard, the motorists representative on the board, and by Mr C. J. Talbot, the counties’ representative. , , Mr Wynyard said that the petrol imported into New Zealand last year totalled ,81,000,000 gallons, an increase of 13.29 per cent, over the previous year. The increase in motor registrations was 14.2 per cent., showing how closely related the two were. The board endeavoured to apply its funds to each island according to the registrations, and last year the expenditure in the North Island was £1,941,000 and in the South Island £976,000. Mr Talbot elaborated these remarks, stating that this year the expenditure would work out at 57 per cent, in the North Island and 43 per cent, in the South. The increased percentage in the South Island was due to the numher of major works in band. Tho revenue of the board about equalled the expenditure on road maintenance, construction, improvement, and renewals. Actually, the revenue received paid for everything on the .reading, programme. , Illustrating the work of the board, Mr Talbot said that in 1924 there were 6,000 miles of highways, including 4 per cent, of dustless roads. Today there were 12,000 miles -of high-, ways, including 16 per cent, of dustless roads. He said that some counties regarded the declaration of State highways as a disintegrating policy , but the 00-operatiou of _ all associations and counties was desired in order to make the policy beneficial and economical. REDUCTION OF TAX SOUGHT. The Canterbury Association brought forward a remit that in view of tho high cost of motor spirit to the motoring public, the Government bo requested to reduce the present taxation on motor spirit by 4d a gallon. The discussion on the remit was taken in committee, together with a lengthy statement on motor taxation which had been prepared by Mr C. Laurence, secretary of the North Island Motor Union. In view of tho decision to set up a committee to confer with the North Island Union in an endeavour to secure a reduction of taxation, the remit was withdrawn. EMERGENCY SERVICES. The report of the Road-Service Subcommittee, which recommended a chare's of £1 for towage and 5s for mechanical service, leaving the question of the number of services to be given to the associations concerned to decide, was adopted. THE FIRE DANGER. The danger which might arise in the event of an outbreak of fire on show grounds or racecourses where large numbers of cars were parked was bought up by Mr J. S. Hawkes (Christchurch), who said many cars at such events were locked, and if there was a fire considerable damage would result. It was decided to approach the Noth Island Union for an expression of opinion and then to communicate with the bodies concerned. MR SEMPLE’S HEALTH, Tho conference expressed regret at tho reported illness of the Minister of Transport, and the hope that he would soon be restored to health.