THE Kawhia Settler And RAGLAN ADVERTISER Friday, September 7, 1917. DISTRICT DIVISIONS.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume XVI, Issue 868, 7 September 1917, Page 2

THE Kawhia Settler And RAGLAN ADVERTISER Friday, September 7, 1917. DISTRICT DIVISIONS.

WHILE appreciating the harmonious spirit which prevaded the recent conference of representation respecting a more satisfactory adjustment of county boundaries and the well-meaning resolutions adopted, no one will question the fact that the proposed Commission will be up against a hard proposition in attempting an entirely equitable re-arrangement of local body control. To sub-divide an undeveloped area in accordance with community of interests is almost impossible, in view of the great changes which occur through the opening up of new trade routes and business relations. Even in older-established districts, great difficulties in allocating control and responsibility present themselves, difficulties which become.soinsuperable when the rival claims of rail and water carriage are taken into consideration, that an arbitrary line of demarcation has to be adopted to indicate where the influence of one begins and the other ends. Naturally, regular and frequent steamer service gradually extends its sphere, as road and rail access to a port improves, and boundaries expand in consequence, so that the original frontiers become unworkable as the hinterland are thrown into the area affected. Thus the direction of traffic and the consentration of interests is entirely revolutionised, necessitating repeated readjustments of local body control and causing continuous friction. In our opinion the only solution which can meet the problem is State control of main arterial roads. Already an atr.ojnt of responsibility is assumed, as indicated by substantial grants and subsidies for construction metalling and maintenance, admitting tbe justice of the claim that public use of these highways, should be recognised by public expenditure, and the principle might fairly be extended to bring all main roads under Government supervision. Such a policy, after a Commission of inquiry had determined (which were main roads, would effectually relieve the present unsatisfactory situation. His Majesty’s mailsand thejtraveiling public are the principal users of such thoroughfares, and it i§ only just that cost of administration and maintenance should be provided from the Consolidated Revenue.