STATE HIGHWAYS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 2 October 1936, Page 7

STATE HIGHWAYS

CLASSIFICATION SCHEMES PROPOSED LOCAL BODIES’ LIABILITIES (United Preuß Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. Provision for the classification of part of the present main highways system as State highways is made in the Main Highways Amendment Bill, which was introduced ,in the House of Representatives by Governor-General’s message yesterday. In general, the Bill follows the lines of announcement already made by the Minister of Public Works Hon. R. Semple regarding the proposed State highways system. The Main Highways Board, with the approval of the Minister, may classify any main highway or portion of a main highway as a State highway. The board is also given power to determine standards of construction and maintenance for all main highways.

The whole of the cost of construction and maintenance of State highways is to be paid out of the Main Highways Account. However, works in excess of or in addition to the standard prescribed are not to be paid for out of the account unless the board decided to pay either whole or _ part of the 'additional cost. In addition, the liabilities of local authorities at the time of classification of a State highway are not to be affected unless the board decides to remit or refund any contribution payable by the local body concerned. Under the existing law the board is liable for not less than one-third of the cost of maintenance and not less than one-half of the cost of construction of all main highways. Provision is made for appeals to the Minister from decisions of the board fixing contributions to be made by local authorities toward the cost of any works on main highways. Appeals must be made within a month of the announcement of the hoard’s decision, although the board is required to announce its decision as final before any appeal is permitted. Works of construction on main highways arc not to he commenced without previous consent of the Minister, which may he granted subject to certain conditions. Construction work is defined as including reconstruction and other improvements other than maintenance, which is also defined to embrace repairs. The Bill does not restrict the hoard’s power to sanction works of maintenance.

Provision is made for the appointment of a deputy-chairman of the board, who is to he one of the two Government members other than the chairman. The Bill was read a first time.