MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 35, 3 May 1928, Page 2

MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD.

VISIT KAIKOURA. The members of the Main Highways Board, Messrs A. E. Jull, J. J. Gibson. H. H. Wynyard, C. J. Talbot, C. J. McKenzie, and W. A. Sutherland (Secretary), arrived in Kaikoura on Monday at noon, and after lunch received deputations from the County Council and Progress League, afterwards leaving for Waikare via the inland road. Mr J. Boyd (County Chairman) extended a welcome to the Board, and introduced the deputations. SUBSIDIARY HIGHWAYS. He enquired if the Board had made up its mind to allow more than eight miles of subsidiary highways for the County. Mr Jull (Chairman of the Board) said the question was to be further considered. No promise was being made. Mr Boyd said Kaikoura had been treated very unfairly respecting the petrol tax. There were 160 odd miles of road in the County. One firm alone paid in tax more than sufficient to pay for the road maintenance. The Board had turned down McLeod’s Corner to Hapuku Bridge road. Mr Jull: I have informed you, Mr Boyd, that the question is to be further considered. Let me put you right on that point.

Continuing, Mr Boyd said that the Middle Creek Bridge had been swept away, or lifted from its position, during the May flood, 19 3. The Board had fell on the people like a blight, and had blocked the Council at every turn. Had the Council carried out the work it would have been done years ago, and paid the Council to do so. The Board had been a block to them. He could not ask the Board for anything; he would not beg, but he would light for his rights. The Hon. Mr Coates had been prepared to treat them fair, but the Board had been a nuisance to them. Mr Langbein (District Engineen and Chairman of the Highways Council): “The trouble concerning Middle Creek is that the County Chairman desires to plan the bridge, but this does not suit the wishes of the Department. Mr Jull here apologised for the absence of Mr Furkett.

Continuing, Mr Jull said it was quite charming to have such a welcome as that extended by Mr Boyd. Ho had started off by making a throat. Mr Jull said he cared little for such treats. The Board was there to treat matters on (heir merits, and jn the interests of the country. The biggest percentage of roads in the County were highways, and wore free of cost to the Council. But that did not prevent the Board considering applications fairly. Ho said ho did not care a d — for threats. He was not a politician, looking for votes. He was not overcome by Mr Boyd’s blandish monts. Neither woud it effect the Board, which would be pleased to deal with the Council’s applications fairly. The question of what particular firms paid for petrol did not count. Tt was a Dominion concern, and the Board had to t rea ttho matter from a national point of view. Other counties would be pleased to be in the position of Kaikoura so far as roads were concerned. When the petrol tax was introduced the question of main highways had to be futher considered. The amount of income had been proved to be insufficient. The Board had increased its subsidy for maintenance from 10/ to 30/ to the £. Tt was calculated that 50 per cent’, of the roads required attention, and the Board had declared 50 per cent, subsidiary roads. Relief wrts also required where counties were in proximity to cities, and maintenance was beyond the resources of individual counties. Tn such

eases as much as £3 fdr £1 had been allowed. Contributions had also been paid to boroughs. Tt would be madness for a rural district to put up the argument that the basis of payment should be the amount of petrol consumed in the county. Tt was the big Gentries that were controlling the position—joy-rid-ers. Tt would bo rank madness to suggest such a thing, and no one but a madman Yvould suggest such a basis—on the consumption of petrol used in a county. Kaikoura had applied for 22 miles of subsidiary roads. He said Mr Boyd had referred to Akaroa as having been given 117 miles. The position was that it was 17 miles. The County had only 160 miles of road. There was a percentage of 17. compared with Kaikoura ’s 53 per cent. In Kaikoura 53 per cent, of the roads were main highways. Mr Boyd: That is not true! "Mr Jull: Show us that it is not so. Kaikoura has 57 per cent. now. The total roads, total rates, capital value, rates, and population were taken into account, but not the number of gallons of petrol consumed. The Board was actuated by a desire to deal equitably with the disposal of the funds throughout tin* Dominion. The Kaikoura roads were certainly well kept, but the County had a good supply of metal. Tn some places 23/ per yard had to bo paid for metal. If Kaikoura were in that position he could understand Mr Boyd’s outburst. Mr Jull said ho hoped his remarks would be taken in the best spirit. Ho considered Kaikoura had been specially well treated. Mr Boyd explained that the County had been promised that good roads

were to be provided until a railway constructed—railhead to railhead. TluT Minister had treated the County fairly regarding the matter. Kaikoura was in a different position to those counties which had roads running alongside a railway. He did not beg, but he believed in sticking up for his just rights. There had been nothing but difficulties from the inception of the Highways Board.

This closed the proceedings so far as the County Council was concerned. THE CONWAY BRJDGE. Mr Boyd then introduced the a deputation from the South Marlborough Progress League. Mr Gooch, Secretary of the League, *aid the League had been in communication with the Public Works Department concerning the Conway Bridge, on •he inland road, and had been informed ’hat the members of the League would have an opportunity of meeting the Board in Kaikoura. He had pleasure in introducing Mr H. Snushall, who would give particulars regarding the request for the bridging of the Conway. Mr Snushall said he desired to stress he importance of the Conway Bridge, from a settlers’ point of view, and in •onnection with the importance of tho bridge to the travelling public. It cost 62 to £2 5/ per ton to have manure lelivered to the farm. It made it almost prohibitive to top dross. It would be a great advantage to have the bridge constructed. A lot of preliminary work was required, which might be done as relief work. The load carried was limit’d by the river. . Mr J. C. Borthwick said he endorsed he remarks of Mr Snushall. He realised '.he disadvantages that had to be con'ended with. The approaches had been made, and were partially in use. This work was done eight years ago, but ho hoped it would not be eight 'ore the bridge was completed. The Government urged the people to support the railways, but was not providing facilities to do so. Settlers should not be prevented from getting stores in md produce out through being blocked by a stream such as the Humbug. He hoped the Board would give the matter earnest consideration. Stock was also held up by the river. Mr Jull said Mr Langbein had already brought the matter under the no’ice of the Board. Tho matter had been l of erred pending the visit of the Board. The members would view the position as they traversed the route, and give the question every consideration. He enquired if the Council had done anything. Mr Boyd said it was a Government grant. This concluded the business.