Defence and Public Works Costs

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 41, 18 February 1939, Page 5

Defence and Public Works Costs

Mr. Semple Replies to Hawke’s Bay Criticism “UNGENEROUS” VIEWS Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 17. In a statement Issued to-day, the Minister of Public Works and Trans* port, Mr Semple, referred to remark* made at Hastings by Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, who was reported to have said that it was much more important to spend money on defence than on some Publie Work* such as the Whakatu overbridge. Mr Semple replied that the Government was taking and would continue to take the steps ft considered necessary for the adequate defence of the Dominion. The overbridge referred to was part of tho Government’s road-safety policy, in which 250 of the most dangerous level crossings were being eliminated. The cost of the work mentioned was approximately £7BOO. ‘‘Next to the importance of protecting the country from foreign invasion is the protection of the people against themselves,” Mr Semple added. ‘‘We certainly could not allow the death and accident rate on the roads to continue; otherwise it would be difficult to say which was the more insidious-—war or the road hazard. In the Great War, New Zealand’s casualties were some 58,000, or about the same number as ihe road casualties of the last 13 years. If we prevent our manhood from being killed or maimed on the highways and byways, we will be in a better position to meet any foreign attack.” The Minister said that the estimated expenditure this financial year for th* construction of the civil aerodromes was £200,000; for defence aerodromes, £60,000; and that approximately £170,000 would be spent on the latter next year. Expenditure on defence buildings and ground services this year amounted to £260,000. The Minister outlined what th# present Government had accomplished in respect of defence aerodromes, with special reference to Chakea and WhenuapaJ, neither of which had been commenced by the last Government. In addition, the Wigram and Hobsonville air bases lied been brought up to th# modern standard. The Government wa* also doing much more than had ever been attempted in training men for the air, and an aerodrome for training purposes was now being constructed at Blenheim. Emergency landing ground* had been constructed throughout th# Dominion. Mr Semple said: "Sir Andrew wa* ungenerous in belittling the Government for its policy cf reducing road accidents. Since 1925 there have been 800 casualties at railway crossings, resulting in over 200 deaths. Those who attempt to get rid of this slaughter surely deserve to be called something better than fools, even by an office* of the rank of Sir Andrew.”