DETERIORATING OF ROADS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21773, 12 October 1932, Page 7

DETERIORATING OF ROADS

RAID ON HIGHWAYS FUNDS RESTORATION OF ALLOCATION URGED. (From Oob Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, October 11. “ Even in times of economic depression bridges and roads wear out,” said Mr Ansell in the House to-day when urging the Government -to make available the £650,000 which it had originally set aside for the maintenance of highways. Discussing the transfer of £500,000 from the Highways to the Consolidated Fund, Mr Ansell asked whether any real economy would result. On the- best evidence the Dominion’s roads were deteriorating, and unless they were preserved the investment which they represented would not be a good one for the Government. During the la,st four years the amount contributed towards maintenance of highways, both by the Highways Board and by the local bodies had declined as follows: Per Mile. 1929- £228 1930- ~ 103 1931- 92 1932- 74 “The evidence given so far is that deterioration of our roads has definitely set in,” Mr Ansell said. “ This is so much so that some local bodies have been prepared to put up a greater proportion of money to prevent deterioration, but by doing this they are only adding to their own burdens. I- hope that the amount of £650,000 which was set aside for maintenance will be forthcoming, I trust the Government will see that this money, is made available for the Highways Board. Bridges and roads wear out in spite of economic depression. We already have between 200 and 250 bridges that should have been renewed in the past and are now waiting for renewal. I earnestly hope that the Government will see that this allocation is handed over.”