THE MAIN HIGHWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18662, 19 March 1924, Page 11

THE MAIN HIGHWAYS.

SELECTION NOW COMPLETE. AN" EARLY DECLARATION. VACANCY ON THE BOARD. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A statement regarding the declaration of roads-as main highways is made by the Main Highways Board, which has completed its sittings in Wellington. The board has decided on the roads in the whole Dominion to be declared main highways, says the statement. Prior to such declaration, however, it was resolved to communicate, through the district highways councils, with the different county councils, asking that they continue the maintenance of these roads on behalf of the board, pending definite arrangements between the board and the county councils for the delegation of the powers of the board in respect of such roads. This course is necessary to secure the continuance of the maintenance of the roads, for under the operation of the declaration of a road as a main highway it (the maintenance) passes out of the hands of the county council into those of the board.

The board's general policy is to delegate its powers on a main highway to the local body, subject to the standard of maintenance and works being approved by the Main Highways Board, but there are statutory difficulties against that being done at, the present moment. The local bodies have been asked for immediate replies to enable the declaration of the roads as main highways to be made as early as possible. Mr. G. C. Godfrey, a member of the Main Highways Board, has resigned, and his resignation has been accepted by the board. When Mr. Godfrey was appointed to the board, he was Assistant UnderSecretary of Public Works, and as such was in close touch with the administration of main roads. He has since, however, been appointed Secretary of Marine. The Minister stated to-night that he had nominated a successor, but had not yet been advised whether the gentleman in question would accept the position.