ADVANCEMENT OF OTAGO.

North Otago Times, 20 July 1917, Page 2

ADVANCEMENT OF OTAGO.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS. (Per Prp.«s Assoi'inMon.) WELLINGTON. July IS. Tlio Prime .Miniver mill tin- Mifll.stw of l-'ulilii: Works were waited on toiby liv mi Otii;, r o tloptitiitioii. which uracil upon tlii'in {In 1 necessity for :i 11101 o vigorous policy of. afl'orivtatiuii, railway extension, and also increased activity in regard to roads.

Tin- Ministers referred to ilu> oconomil' position and :ilkolii':o necessity for vigni'ons curtailment- of public works expenditure, 'flic lion, 'Mr Eraser pointed out that the construction of several railway lines last year had been stopped, and it was futile for members in any district to*ask for new railways until these lines were completed, The question of main arterial roads was a very pressing one, and at present it was impossible to provide anything else than a mere patch-work system. The whole policy of the upkeep of arterial- roads iyould have to be considered, and, iif possible, means be introiluced by which'the multiplici.y of local bodies would be reduced I and greater powers given them. As far as public works' were concerned, Mr Fixer further mentioned that only a small number of men were now employed en public works. •

Mr llassey, speaking of afforestation, said that as soon as opportunity arrived the -Government would prosecute a vigorous policy. An area of 31,0;i4 acres had been'reserved in Central O.ago for the purpose of timber production. As to main roads and the wear caused by motor vehicles, the question of improvements would Ijc gone into as soon as money was available. The matter would not be lost sight of by the Government, who fully realised the position.