PUBLIC WORKS FUND.

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13667, 8 September 1916, Page 4

PUBLIC WORKS FUND.

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM DENOUNCED. - •

(P«r Press ABBOciatlon;

HAMILTON, September 7.

■ The Hon, W. Eraser■'has had an exceedingly busy time at Hamilton during the past, three-days, where he has been besieged by deputations for grants. Delegates from no lessvthan ten county councils waited on him, while there' were numerous deputations from road boards'and other local bodies,

The -.Minister had great difficulty' making Ihe fact clear thai Hie items on Hie Estimates, were not necessarily authorisations, and that nothing morethan actually authorised would be granted, ilr A. Young, MP., declared that the present system governing the operations of the Public Works Department was very, misleading, as votes were placed on the Estimates when there was no hope of granting them. Mr Eraser agreed that the system was the most stupid that could be conceived, He did not 'altogether blame his predecessors as the settlers and local bodies were willing parties to it. They asked for sums to be placed on the Estimates,'which were not urgent, simply-, as a lever lo secure future grants. In consequence the items accumulated to such an extent that they could not be met. Last year there was nearly £I,OOO,QUO on the Estimates and only 1/120,000 lO' meet it. : Among the matters mentioned to Mr Eraser was the.question of national regulations governing motor traffic, and the, need for a national;, road tax on motors. The, Minister said undoubtedly they ,would<have-,to bo a;tax tin motors in the near future, This would amount to a fairly large sum and have to be utilised to make roads 'suited to motor traffic. lie favoured motor traffic, regulations and a motor traffic vote.' He remarked that he believed tho majority of the Cabinet favoured a national tax; and regulations,.