MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 28 October 1924, Page 6

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

THE CONSTRUCTION QUESTION. LIBERAL PROVISION. WORKING "pP THE ACT. Witli reference to main highways the Public Works Statement, ’issued last evening, says: “The length of main highways already declared is approximately 6008 miles, of which a considerable number in sparsely settled districts have been declared Government roads, in order that the board may be able to contribute to their construction and maintenance on a more liberal basis than is legally possible in connection with the ordinary main highways. There have been legal difficulties in the initiatory process incidental to the commencement of works, and certain amendments to the Act are required before the local authorities can proceed with their proposals. Everything is now in readiness to permit of work’s being vigorously prosecuted as soon as these legal difficultis have been overcome. “The Dominion has been divided into 18 highway districts. For all of these districts highway councils have been constituted, and, generally, everything is in train for the carrying out of the intentions of the Main Highways Act. “The actual proposals for work as a rule, and except in the case of Government roads, originate with the county councils. These proposals are forwarded through the district highway councils to the board. Already numerous proposals have been received, and in the ’ majority of cases are for the surfacing of roads in a manner suitable for modern conditions. The specifications for such surfacing range from ordinary gravel to bituminous concrete, and in a few cases 'cement concrete. . “In the majority of cases only provisional approval could be given to these proposals, as it was necessary to await the passing of the estimates for the current year under the construction account of the Main Highways Board. “There have been many applications urging the declaration of additional highways, as there have also been many claims that roads which have been declared main highways should also be declared Government roads, in order to secure moi;e liberal treatment in terms *of section 22 of the Main Highways Act; also numerous requests from boroughs that the board should take over control of certain streets that have proved to be difficult to maintain on account of the excessive amount of foreign traffic. The first report by the board will be due as soon as practicable after April 1, 1925.”