NO. 60 HIGHWAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 190, 13 July 1936, Page 9

NO. 60 HIGHWAY

REQUEST I<’oß RESUMPTION

COUNCIL’S EXPLANATION

“I am informed that, consequent upon my recent announcement concernin k the proposed State highways scheme, your council lias decided to cease work on a portion of the No. 60 highway and to terminate the services of certain of its employees,” stated the .Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple) in a letter, written on June 24, which was read at the monthly meeting of the Horowhenua County Council at Levin on Saturday.

“I understand, further, that the council has taken this course because when eventually the Highways Board assumes control of a State highway the full cost of any further work i* to he met from the Highways Fund As has already been explained the State system is designed to facilitate maintenance and improvement works on arterial routes, and also to grant some measures of relief to local authorities which now contribute toward a rteri a 1 high w ays. “I regret very much to learn that your council proposes to close down works now in hand in order, presumably, to conserve funds, in anticipation of the Government’s policy being brought into effect. The immediate disadvantage is that a number of workers will he displaced, although State funds arc providing four-fifths of the cost of the work involved, and in addition a necessary improvement to the highway is likely to he delayed.

“I am therefore writing to request the council to he good enough to reconsider its decision and to continue its normal activities on main highways until such time as legislation has been passed and arrangements completed foi the State to take over the main arterial highways. Any co-operation in this direction will he appreciated, not only by the Government hut. I am sure, by the public generally.” The chairman (Cr. G. A. Monk) reported that he had forwarded the following reply to the Minister:—“l regret you were not quite correctly unformed as to the council’s decision, which was as follows: ‘That the engineer give tlie men employed on this length 14 days’ notice that their services on this work would he terminated and that the engineer endeavour in the meantime to arrange employment for them elsewhere.’ The chief concern of the council in terminating this work was to find employment foi the men in the future. lam pleased to be able to inform you that such work is now arranged for and the men will continue in the service of the council in the meantime. The question of the closing down of the work at this juncture- can, I think, be justified, when all circumstances are reviewed and the past activities of the council taken into consideration. 1 am sure the council would be pleased to supply you with that information if you so desire. May I assure you that the usual maintenance work will be carried on until such time as the State is ready to take over the main arterial highways. This is somewhat unofficial as tile council do not meet for two weeks, but I desired to relieve your mind concerning the men as speedily as possible.”

There was no comment on the letter, and the chairman’s reply was confirmed.

A discussion took place on the position of the council in regard to moneys expended on the construction of arterial main highways, and the statement by the Minister, made recently, that the Government would not take over liabilities in that respect. The chairman said that the position would be placed before the Minister by the Counties’ Association and representations would be made for the Government to take over those antecedent liabilities. Cr. A. J. Gimblott remarked that if the matter was taken up by the chairman he would possibly put the position more strongly, because the Horowhenua County was so vitally interested. Under the present proposals the county would have to carry its burden of £sw a year in interest on loans for roading, and other, counties which had not undertaken the expense of laying down first-class highways would have them made free of cost, because they would be State roads.

Tlie chairman said that the Bill could lie altered .when it came before the House of Representatives. If the representations were fair and reasonable, he was sure that the Minister would take a reasonable view of the matter and have the Bill amended accordingly. The discussion was net candid iurtlier.