PUBLIC WORKS BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9574, 27 July 1923, Page 2

PUBLIC WORKS BILL.

LAND FOR ROADS. AMENDING.- LEGISLATION. WELLINGTON, July 24. The Public Works Amending Bill was introduced in the House to-day. The most important clause in the Bill deals with the proclamation of a middle lino of road on main highways and the land required to ho taken for such. Under the present In w a great deal of time is wasted in having to advertise and in getting agreements signed before the lands needed for roads can ho acquired, when it is necessary to find work for men for such contemplated roads. This, said the Minister of Works today, is a great 'handicap. The handicap applies also in the case of deviations that may lie necessary. Under the present proposal the land can be taken at oiico by proclamation and the compensation arranged at once or afterwards as in the casein regard to railways. Tho new proposal is general in its action and important for that reason. If is a departure from tho principle that has been in existence for years. The point is one that the House will, have to consider, i.e., whether local bodies shall have such powers as is proposed. The proposal is thought by the authorities to ho in the public interest 1 . If it is not considered reasonable, said Mr. Contest the House can amend it in any way it thinks ' fit. The same provision is proposed m regard to main highways. It will be necessary also in some cases in which it may bo necessary to make a deviation from the existing lino of route. The Bill also provides that tho provisions of section 21 of the principal Act shall apply to any part of a public reserve or domain required to be set apart for any public work. There is a provision regarding the maintenance of drains passing through railway lands. The cost of maintaining the drain is to be borne, by the local authority and. if the cost of the work is carried out In- the Government, it will be recoverable from the Local body. It is also proposed to take power to cancel or vary licenses to utilise water power to erect electric, lines under section 5 or the Act of 1908. It is also proposed to grant permits for small water power installations for electricity up to a maximum capacity of 25 h.p. and at ary time to revoke such permits. It is proposed to extend tho provisions in regard to ballast pits for railways to a distance of two miles from one mile as at present. is a provision regarding irrigation works, extending the power of the- Government to take private j lands after as well _as before the • completion of the works. Holders of 1 licenses in respect of electric linc-s 1 are to furnish returns of the erce-! tiou and operating of such lines.—■ j Special.