MAIN HIGHWAYS FUND

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 269, 28 October 1932, Page 8

MAIN HIGHWAYS FUND

•CFARATE ACCOUNT TO STAND. PRIME MINISTER’S ASSURANCE. Wellington, Oct. 27. An assurance that it was not the Government’s intention to abolish tho ■eparate account of the Main Highways Fund was given by the Prime Minister When replying to-day to a deputation representing the Counties’ Association, the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, tho North and South Island Motor Unions and the Canterbury Progress League, which protested against the National Expenditure Adjustment Commission’s recommendation that the fund should be abolished. Members of Parliament were also present Mr Forbes said he recognised tho re preseniative character of the deputation. It had, been said that the ear marking of special funds was not the soundest thing to do, but there were many things which did not square up with the very soundest of opinions. There were special funds such as the Unemployment Fund, and the principle •f special funds had been recognised. In regard to the Highways Fund he wanted to say in justice to automobile associations that motorists recognised the necessities of public finance when the position had been put to them. The necessities of public finance had to come first and foremost, said Mr Forbes, and it was in the interests of everybody to see that public - finance was kept in a sound state, irrespective of special funds. The fact of there being a special fund had never embarrassed the Government, because motorists had recognised the position. “I can tell you,” said Mr Forbes, "that it is not the intention of the Government to abolish the separate account in regard to tho Highways Fund.” (Applause.)