MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19198, 14 June 1924, Page 7

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

FURTHER LEGISLATION NECESSARY. LOCAL BODY FUNDS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, June 13. In reference to the question of main highways legislation will be required before local bodies can raise funds upon which the Government contributions will be based. It has been pointed out by local body representatives that unless tho requisite authority is given early in the coming session it will not be possible for comity councils to make their financial arrangements in time to commence work next .summer. “I am .not, going to commit myself or Ibe Government,” said Mr Massey at Ilawera, when a reporter mentioned to him tho apprehension of local bodies throughout the country as to their ability to secure loans to carry out their half-share of Che work on the main roads under tho Highways Act. It was pointed out to Mr Massey that local bodies had experienced great clittlculty in securing loan money which had actually boon approved by the State Advances Department for ordinary works. The Government had provided moiioy for its share of tho work through tho Iligli. ways Board, but in view of tho difficulties of securing loans in the past the local bodies did not see how it was possible to raise the large amount required for the highways at reasonable rates c!f interest. Mr Massey said lie would not commit himself or tho Government. The Motor Vehicles Bill was being sent out to members for their consideration, and the whole position would bo thrashed out when the Bill came before Parliament next, session. ROADS DECLARED HIGHWAYS. (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 13. In the nine North Island districts under the Highways Act. 2964 miles of roads have been declared highways and 650 declared Government roads. The Stale assists in the construction and maintenance of tho latter, but they tlo not come at once within tho main provisions of the A<(. The figmos for the South Island arc 2624miles of highways and 534- miles of Government, roads.