STATE CONTROL OF MAIN HIGHWAYS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 15 June 1936, Page 4

STATE CONTROL OF MAIN HIGHWAYS

IN announcing the intention of the State to take over the control and maintenance of 4146 miles of main arterial roads in New Zealand, the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) expressed full appreciation of the value of the present main highways system, embracing as it has done, the co-operation of local authorities and the State, both in administration and finance. But it is considered that the existing system is capable of extension, “according to the needs of the day.” Further, that the country's interests would be betterserved by the State accepting responsibility for the necessary improvement and upkeep of its arterial roads than by the multiplicity of control which now exists. According to a recent traffic census, the main arterial roads carry nearly 80 per cent, of the Dominion’s total highway traffic. These roads, it is proposed, are to come under the complete control of the Main Highways Board—one of the Boards which has not been given its “running shoes”—but there is to be a right of appeal to the Minister. The Highways Board, with its ample funds, has been of great assistance to local bodies, and been reasonably generous with its subsidies. Now it is to be given a greater responsibility and local bodies will be able to expend more on ordinary county highways and rural roads, with consequent advantage to the settlers in outlying districts. The State will assume the burden of maintaining over 4000 miles of arterial roads, but will not take over any liabilities of the past. We believe that the Minister was justified in expressing confidence that, pending the passing of projected legislation, the locai bodies concerned will continue

the adequate maintenance of probable State highways of which it is proposed there shall be about 2300 miles in the North Island and 1800 in the South Island, it is most desirable that there should be genuine co-operation.