HIGHWAY SUBSIDIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20104, 15 November 1928, Page 14

HIGHWAY SUBSIDIES.

CONCRETING AT NORTHCOTE

BOARD REFUSES INCREASE

" JEOPARDISING LOAN POLL."

Tho Northcote Borough Conucil's application for tho subsidy for reconstruction of Lake unrl Onowa Roads to he increased from pound for pound to £2 for £1 has again been declined by tho Main Highway? Board. Regarding work done in Queen Stre; t since it was declared a main highway last February tho board has not yet iinally decided tho question of a pound for pound subsidy, pending consideration of furthei particulars. Advic.v to this effect were received by the Borough Council at its meeting on Tuesday evening. Another communica tion from tho board conveyed tho welcome information that subsidies for maintenance work oti ma n highways had been increased from 30s for £1 to £2 for £l.

The Mayor, Mr, A. E. Greenslade. said tho No. 1 District Highways Council had unanimously recommended a subsidy of £2 for £1 for the reconstruction in con crete of Lake, and Onowa Roads. Tho rocent amending legislation passed by Parliament, at the instance of tho Minister of Rubin Works, empowered the board to accede to this reasonable request, as all regarding subsidies had been removed, and full discretion was allowed the board to decide every application on its merits Surely the recommendation of the No. 1 District Council should weigh with the lio.ird as the whole matter had been closely investigated by tho Public Works engineer and representatives of the District Council.

Tho unfortunato aspect of tho delay in continuing the negotiations for the higher subsidy was ttiat tho good weather would be passing before the work could bo completed The Borough Council was extremely anxious to reconstruct permanently all the main highways in the borough, but tho prospects of a successful loan poll were being jeopardised by the decision to limit tho subsidy to pound for pound, whereas the Highways Board was paying £2 for £1 for patchwork. Tho road was required for through traffic to the northern districts, and surely reconstruction in concrete would be more economical for I lie Highways Board, for not only would .t require little future upkeep but also the road would bo straightened, doing away with tho present hairpin bends. Further representations are to be made in an endeavour to secure reconsideration.