Change of Highways Control

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 289, 7 December 1936, Page 2

Change of Highways Control

MAIN ROAD TAKEN OVER A statement received at ' Saturday's meeting of the Pahiatua County Council in reference to the provisions of the Main Highways Amendment Act stated that from November 1, 1936, approved maintenance and construction work on

State highways will be wholly paid for from the Main Highways Account, ex-

cept where local authorities make pay-' ment to the board toward the cost of both maintenance and construction. These cases wsll be subject to special consideration by the board. In the meantime, and where circumstances require it, local authorities may remain in local charge of their sections of State highways, and will be reimbursed for the whole of the maintenance and construction expenditure within the limits of approval, which may already havo been given by the board. No additional works beyond those covered oy authorities already issued are to be com inenced by a local authority without the board's approval. Local authorities which havo been contributing toward maintenance on State highways already controlled by the board will not bo liable for such payments after November 1, 1936, Counties committed to construction work by contract will be required to complete such work, but will be paid in full for all work done after November 1, 1936. Sections of main arterial or highways, which are within minor boroughs or town districts are, with certain exceptions, included in the State highways system. Purely local requirements, however, will havo to bo met by the local bodies themselves, such as footpath repairs, drainage and lighting, etc., and will be a local body or-town board charge as hitherto, unless same have .some distinct connection with State .highways requirements. State highways in the Pahiatua County comprise the county section'of the Wellington-Napier Highway.

When the letter.was read, the chairman (Cr. A. W. Bisset) said: That means the last of our main road.

Cr. Whitta: The only part left for us will be the loan! (Laughter.)