FUTURE OF HIGHWAYS BOARD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 30 January 1936, Page 9

FUTURE OF HIGHWAYS BOARD

RECENT STATEMENT BY MINISTER NORTH ISLAND MOTORISTS UNEASY Apprehension at a recent statement by tiie Minister of Transport (the Hon. Li. Semple) in regard to the future ol the Main Highways Board was expressed al the half-yearly meeting of the North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union yesterday, says the Wellington “Post. The chairman (Mr W. A. O'Calla-

ghanj said he had hoped to Dring to the meeting some idea of the new Government’s policy in regard to the main highways. The Minister of Transport was not ready to meet them on the matter yet—lie had not come down to tin tack's himself in regard to the new policy. A delegate: “The board has not got the order of the boot.” Mr G. W. Hutchison (Auckland) said there was one reference the Minister

niade which he thought, the Motor Union should bear in mind. The Minis-

ter’s idea apparently was that the board should be reorganised in such a way as to bring it more under Government control. The Government already had four representatives on the board, which comprised seven members, and he thought the executive of the union should watch developments very closely to see whether the Minister proposed a change in the personnel, or whether the idea was to deprive the board of its non-political aspect. Mr E. A. Batt said he regarded the

statement as a most serious one, as it would mean such a lot. Even if the union could do nothing in regard to the proposed policy, that one statement should be watched very carefully. He did not know whether it would be possible, but it might be that the secretary and president could have a private talk with the Minister just on that one statement to which, reference had been made. The chairman said he nad been trying for three days to get an interview with the Minister, but he. had been unable to get it. It was suggested by Mr J. W. Johnston (South Island Motor Union) that the meeting should pass a resolution reaffirming the union’s conference in the administration of the present Highways Board. Mr J. H. E'dmundston (Hawkes Bay) moved: “That this conference reaffirms its confidence in the administration of the present Highways Board and trusts the Minister will continue to honour the original undertakings embodied in the Highways Act.” Mr F. J. Williams (Dunedin): “We

must be very careful about that, we are not a political organisation at all. | The Minister has made no pronouncement. We don’t know what he is going to do. It savours to my mind of a case of ‘fools rush in where angels fear to tread ’ ” Mr E. A. Batt (Wellington; “I agree. It is too dangerous to put that resolution before be has made any pronouncement.” After further discussion the motion . was withdrawn in favour of a proposal . to suggest to the Minister that the ufilor would appreciate the courtesy of discussing with him any proposed alterations.