HIGHWAYS CONTROL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10511, 15 February 1928, Page 6

HIGHWAYS CONTROL.

FVRAIERS’ unton QUESTION ATRE. WAIKOHU COUNTY COUNCIL’S VIEWS. The control oi main highways was tho subject of a recent circular questionniro submitted by the .-~nd executive of the Farmers’ Union to local bodies whose views on the points raised were desired. The issues were examined bv the AA aikolni Count' Council members, who ga.vo the following answers to the questions at .yesterday's meeting:— '’’Does vbfir council to'nsider that it would be in the national interest to adhere to the. Highways Act, with slight amendments, or to hand over all” national highways to the Main Highways Board?—lt was decided that it- would he better to adhere to the Act until such time as the board could bear the whole of the cost ol the highway. Would it bp an advantage if the chairman of tiro Counties Association were chairman of the Highway® Foard, and if tlie chairmen of the district councils were county representatives? —No. Would a fresh classification oi counties and road boards he advisable o-rouping them with a view t_’ economy in the matter of overhead expanses; such ma tters as transport facilities, loans and community of interest being taken into consideration standardised accounts to he keot and the unit to be of sufficient size to allow of a competent engineer surfacemen and economically engaged cCrU-al .staff—duties ol the Main Hffihways Board being confined to the” allocation of funds, policv matters and oversight o? the district councils? ft was considered that no change was advisable so far as the No 4 District was concerned. Would one direct audit by rim Audit Department on highways accounts, covering subsidy, grant loan and county fund contributions he aov’ nta.gcous ?—lt was decided that the present system of auditing was satisfactory. . , ~ , Cbuld the adoption of practical standards in raiding, metalling and bridging matters bo improved?—Yes. Would tlm appointment of an inspectin''- and advisory road engineer to advise with regard to all roads bo an advantage, such engineer to lw nlwavs on the job onlv?—ln the opinion of the council, there are alreaik too many a’ lnointmonts. fs there at present duplication in work dene bv any of the bodies deal in-)- with roads which could be cut out, in the preparation of plans and specifications, in the matter of survev, or in any other rospcct-oceurrm" to you. or ca’.n.vou suggest any othc improvement in cutting out superfluities?—iTt was decided that sqme of the smaller bodies could bn eliminated. What perrentatre would you sir gest to cover engineering and supervisor in the case, of adoption of a general scheme?—No answer. Would you bo in favor of eliminating road ’ trundaries between ad jaeent counties in favor of natural boundaries ?—Yes.