UPKEEP OF HIGHWAYS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 256, 12 October 1932, Page 9

UPKEEP OF HIGHWAYS

maintenance contributions.

PLEA BY MR A. E. ANSELL. (By Telegraph—Special to “Tribune.”) Wellington, Oct. 11. “Even in times of economic depressions bridges and roads wear out/’ said Mr A. E. Ansell (Chalmers) in the House to-day in urging the Government to make available the £650,000 which it had originally set aside for the maintenance of highways. Discussing the transfer of £500,000 from highways to the Consolidated Fund Mr Ansell asked whether any real economy would result. On the best evidence the Dominion's roads were deteriorating, and, unless they were preserved, the investment which they represented would not be a good one for the Government.

During the last four years the amount contributed toward the maintenance of highways, both by the Highways i Board and by local bodies, had declined as follows:—£ per mile: 1929-30, 228; 1930-31, 103; 1931-32, 92; 1932-33, 74.

Evidence given so far is that the deterioration of the roads has definitely set in,” said Mr Ansell. “This is so much so that some local bodies have been prepared to put Up a greater proportion of money to prevent deterioration, but by doing this they are only adding to their. own burdens. I hope that the amount of £650,000 set aside for maintenance will be forthcoming. I trust that the Government will see that this money is made available for the Highways Board. “Bridges and roads wear out in spite of the economic depression. We already have between 200 and 250 bridges that should have been renewed in the past, and are now waiting for their renewal. I earnestly hope that the Government will see that this allocation is duly handed over.