PUBLIC WORKS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9717, 20 July 1917, Page 5

PUBLIC WORKS

THE QUESTION OF ARTERIAL ROADS. An important statement with reference to arterial roads was made by the Minister for I’ublio AVorks (the Hon. AA r . Fraser) in the course of his reply to an Otago deputation which waited upon the Prime AXinistor (the Right lion. AV. F. Massey) and himself yesterday morning. Tho deputation urged the necessity for a more vigorous policy of reafforestation, railway extension, and reading of the country; Alinisters, on tho other hand, referred to the difficulties of finance in wartime and the absolute necessity for a vigorous curtailment of public works expenditure. The Minister for Public AA'orks pointed out that the construction of several railway lines had last year been stopped, and it was futile for members in any district to ask for new railways until these lines wero completed. The question of main arterial roads was a very pressing one, and at tho present time it was impossible to provide anything else than a mere patch-work system. The whole policy of tho upkeep of arterial roads would have to bo considered, and,- if possible, means would bo introduced by which the multiplicity of local bodies would be reduced and greater powers given them as far as public works were concerned. Only a small number of men were now employed on public works.

With regard to afforestation, tho Prime Minister stated that as soon as the opportunity arrived the Government would prosecute a vigorous policy. An area of 31,034 acres had been reserved in Central Otago for the purpose of timber production. As to main roads and the wear caused by motor vehicles, the question of improvement would be gone into as soon as the money was available.