ROADS DETERIORATING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21411, 8 February 1933, Page 10

ROADS DETERIORATING

DIVERSION OF REVENUE INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE MOTOR UNION'S CONCERN [by telegraph—press association] WELLINGTON, Tuesday "There is no question that there is grave danger to-day of roads upon which great sums havo been spent going back to such an extent that the original capital expenditure will be jeopardised," said the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, in opening tho half-yearly meeting of the North Island Motor Union to day.

The temptation was always on the Treasury, he said, to divert road funds, and it was such bodies as tho Motor Union that exerted an effective influence to see that diversion was not too great. The Mayor expressed the hope that, as the result of their deliberations and influence, continued diversion would not be such as to jeopardise the main purpose of the fund. Tho deterioration of roads as a result of the diversion of highways funds was discussed at length by delegates and the following resolution was carried: — "That tho union views with grave apprehension the suggestion that there should bo a further diversion of motor taxation from tho main highways fund. That in view of the serious deterioration of tho main highways system, involving the threatened physical collapse of many sections of tho most important roads in tho country if the present reduced rate of maintenance is continued, and tho lag in the necessary bridge reconstruction, the whole of the motor taxation should be available for maintenance and to restore tho loss already suffered. '■' That if there is any surplus after providing for adequate maintenance and necessary bridge reconstruction, the surplus should be made available for completing those links in the arterial highways system, the construction and surfacing of which, although economically sound and justified, have been held over during the past two years."