MAIN HIGHWAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22539, 2 October 1936, Page 13

MAIN HIGHWAYS

NEW STATE SYSTEM POWERS OF THE BOARD MAIN FEATURES OF BILL [BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday Provision for the classification of part of the present main highways system as State highways is made in the Main Highways Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives by Governor-General's Message to-day. In general, tlio bill follows the lines of previous announcements made by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, regarding the pi'oposed State highways system. Under the terms of the bill the Main Highways Board, with the approval of the Minister, may classify any main highway or portion of a main highway as a State highway. The board is also given power to determine standards of construction and maintenance for all main highways. Local Bodies' Position The whole of the cost of construction and maintenance of State highways is to be paid out of the Main Highways Account. However, works in excess of or in addition to the standard prescribed are not to be paid out of the account unless the board decides to pay either whole or part of the additional cost.

In addition, the liabilities of local authorities at the time of classification of a State highway are not to bo affected unless the board decides to remit or refund any contribution payable by the local body concerned. Under the existing law, the board is liable for not less than one-third of the cost of maintenance, and not less than one-half of the cost of construction of all main highways. Provision for Appeals

Provision is made for appeals to the Minister from decisions of the board fixing contributions, to bo made by local authorities toward the cost of any works on main highways, including decisions as to remissions or refunds in respect of State highways. Appeals must be made within a month of the announcement of the board's decision, although the board is required to announce its decision as final before any appeal is permitted. Under another clause, works of construction 011 main highways are not to be commenced without the previous consent of the Minister. Construction work is defined in the bill as including reconstruction and other improvements other than maintenance, which is also defined to embrace repairs. The clause dees not restrict the board's power to sanction works of maintenance.

Provision is also made for the appointment of a deputy-chairman of the board, who is to be one of the two Government members other than the chairman.

After a brief explanation by the Minister, the bill was read a first time.

TOBACCO INDUSTRY PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT CARLY INFORMATION WANTED [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON. Thursday

A suggestion that tobacco growers should be informed at an early date of the plan which has been prepared by the Tobacco Board for the development of the industry was made by Mr. K. J. Holyoake (Opposition—Motueka), in notice of a question to the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr. Holyoake asked if the Minister would have the details of the lonarange plan made available for the growers who, he said, were becoming restive with what they considered to be unnecessary secrecy observed in the deliberations of the board.

SCENIC RESERVES AREAS IN DOMINION IMPORTANT ACQUISITIONS [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 980, a total area of more than 705,000 acres, states the annual report of the Lands and Survey Department on scenery preservation, presented to the House of Representatives to-day by the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone. Proclamations during the year setting apart land as historical reserves under the Scenery Preservation Act covered a total of 34,015 acres, continues the report. In addition several important acquisitions were arranged, but final proclamations were not issued at the close of the year, March 31, 1936. One notable area to be taken over covers pait of Mount Pirongia, in the Waikato district. Reports from the various districts indicated that the year was an important one in scenery preservation. A few small fires occurred in different areas throughout the Dominion, but little damage was done. Discussing future operations, the report states that much work still remains to bo done in scenery preservation, many areas which should be owned by the State still being held in private ownership. The financial position of the country in past years had resulted in the department having to remain content with very small allocations. Jf it could be assured of a substantial annual vote, the department could proceed steadily with the acquisition of areas of outstanding scenic interests. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday In the Legislative Council this afternoon the [.and and Income Tax (Annual) Bill and the Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill were read a first time. The Council adjourned until Tuesday.