HIGHWAYS FUNDS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1934, Page 6

HIGHWAYS FUNDS

PROTEST AGAINST DIVERSION.

[peb pbess association.] INVERCARGILL, April 16. The Ministers of Public Works and Employment met representatives of the Southland League and Motor Association, in conference, this evening. In reply to a request for the completion of the Kingston-Queenstown Road, Mr Bitchener said that he would be visiting Queenstown, and would then take the opportunity of going closely into the suggested undertaking. In regard to the Eglington Road, he said that much would depend on the report of the surveyors, as to whether it would go on to Milford. Mr. D. J. Wesney (President of the Motor Association) said that they regarded the Eglington Road as a national undertaking. Mr. W. R. Haigh, speaking on behalf of the Motor Association, brought up the question of the diversion of highways funds for other purposes. He said that, at the present moment, when motorists were paying the highest petrol tax in the world it was a scandal that as small a sum as 23d was being spent on the roads. Mr. Bitchener said he thought that tho roads were in need of larger amounts being spent on them, for then proper maintenance. Mr. Hamilton said he agreed that, as soon as the Government could restore moneys to the Highways Board, it should do so, but there was sure to be a deficit this year, and they must help to reduce it in the meantime.