WAR TIME—AND LOCAL NEEDS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 167, 12 July 1918, Page 8

WAR TIME—AND LOCAL NEEDS.

PROBLEM OF FINANCE.

"We don't make motor roads," interjected the Minister of Public Works "(Sii William Fraser) at Wellington yester day, says the Post, when Mr' r E; J. ..-Barry/ Mayor of Ohakune, was ' com plaining that a certain important- road was impassable for nine month's of the year. It might be passable for drays during, six monthn, but not for motor cars. When the Minister made his remark about motor roads, the deputation ist replied' that New Zealand had tc •keep' abreast of the times If New Zealand people were to have the efficiency necessary to meet the cost of the wai good roads would be essential. Solid loading would be a Very profitable in 1 vestment for the State. "There is not a shilling available except for carrying ou the xvar—not a shilling," declared the Minister subsequently. He said he quite agreed with the argument that certain expenditure would help New Zealand to carry the 'burden's of war, but there was no money available at present. There was no use blinking the matter; the money was not here. He believed that before the end of next, March the next £20,000,000 war loan would have to bo raised. With another £20,000,000 lifted from the country, how much would be left for public works? He did not see how it was possible—till after the war—to use money - for the making of roads suitable foi motor traffic. At present the Government would not make -new roads—at least not to any extent. Also,the Government could not metal new roads unless' the locals authority paid half the cost.