MAIN HIGHWAYS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 4762, 22 October 1935, Page 5

MAIN HIGHWAYS

WORKS TO ABSORB MANY UNEMPLOYED. STANDARD WAGES. SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME. It was announced by the Minister of Public Works, Hon. J. Bitchener, that the schedule of works drawn up by the Main Highways Board for the purpose of absorbing a larger number of unemployed includes the following items:— The reconstruction of the Waiwera Hill section on the main northern highway between Auckland and Maungaturoto, at an estimated cost of £14,000. The reconstruction and sealing of approximately 20 miles of tourist highways in the Rotorua district and the Taupo town district. This work is complementary to the steps taken by the Tourist Department to improve the chief tourist attractions of the Dominion. The reconstruction of the road between Utiku and Mangaweka at an estimated cost of £12,000. The construction of the Flowery Creek deviation between Greymouth and Hokitika, which will result in a direct saving in travelling distance of approximately eight miles. Improvements to the Lindis Pass section of highway which is an important connection in one of the principal tourist routes of the South Island. The Minister said that when he recently presented the Public Works Statement to Parliament reference, was made to investigations being carried out by a departmental committee concerning a programme of suitable works upon which a large number of unemployed might be absorbed, with financial assistance from the Unemployment Board. As the Government was able to make available certain additional funds for main highways purposes, arrangements were made for the Main Highways Board to eo,-operate in the scheme by devoting the extra money toward the prosecution of desirable works likely to increase the number of men employed on full time at basic standard rates of wages. By utilising the unemployment subsidy it had been possible to formulate ' a supplementary highways programme of a more extensive nature than would otherwise have been the case. Arrangements were being made whereby the full programme would be commenced almost immediately, as in the majority of cases surveys had been completed for some time preparatory to the works being authorised when funds could be allocated for the purpose.