PUBLIC WORKS.

Northern Advocate, 21 September 1910, Page 5

PUBLIC WORKS.

In moving the second reading of r.he Aid to Public Works and Land S'-t tlement Bill, Sir J. G. Ward detailed the amount spent on public works last year, which totalled £2,169,278. The requirements for public works up till next September were estimated at £2,200,000. In addition to £1,750,000 authorised by the bill, Government would require to transfer from the Consolidated revenue the sum of £400,000, which, with the balance available, would provide the amount required. However, he expected to be able to transfer a larger sum then £400,000 from the Consolidated Fund. The Premier went into a general defence of the Government's borrowing policy, which was necessary in view of the development of the country aud the constant demand for new railways. The sum of £153,000 was necessary for additions to open lines. For many years to come expenaiture would bp required for fresh rolling stock, whiJh. would be a visible asset. New Zealand stood high in the opinion of financiers of the Old Country. As a corollary to public works expenditure it was necessary to raise money for lending to settlers at a low rate of interest. It was good policy for Government to carry out all its borrowing operations at one time. He did not consider it a a overestimate to say that for every million spent the Dominion gained three millions, while the increase in public and private wealth created by borrowed money was ten million for every one expended. In five or six years it would be unnecessary for the Dominion to spend anything like the amount now being spent on roads and bridges. The loan proposals had been carefully thought out by Government, and weo necessary for actively carrying out the development of the Dominion. The House rose at B 30 p.m. In the evening Mr Massey, continuing the debate, urged the Government to decide what amount was necessarj, and then fairly alocate the expenditure. The construction of lines cost thousands a mile more now than fifteen years ago; due to the obsolete methods of doing the work.

Hon. R. McKenzie said that the standard of construction work had increased, thus adding to the expense and many of the rail-ways now under construction presented difficulties not encountered in making the existing railways. Mr Herries expressed the hope that the largest share of the loan would be allocated to the North Island.

After further discussion the bill was read a second time, and the House rose at 12.45 a.m.