MAIN HIGHWAY WORK

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19127, 23 September 1936, Page 5

MAIN HIGHWAY WORK

STATE RESPONSIBILITY TAKING OVER 4000 MILES RELIEF FOR COUNTIES (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. How county councils throughout tlie Dominion would be relieved of heavy financial responsibility for highways by the Government taking over from them 4000 miles of main highways was described by the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works, to the House last night. He stated the intention, if possible, to introduce the necessary legislation this session, if his colleagues would agree to this course. All over New Zealand there were gaps in main highways, due entirely to some counties refusing to contribute their quota for widening and paving to main highway standard. By taking over 4000 miles of arterial roads, the Main Highways Board would relieve counties of all future obligations whatever.' ■ ' " It might be suggested that this was unfair to counties which already had contributed towards improvements, he said, but he estimated that his programme would relievo those counties of £IOO,OOO annually, which they otherwise would be compelled to pay. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson (Ind., Egmontj : How are you to do the work?

The Minister replied that some would be done by the board and some by contract, as there were certain firms which had been contracting for many years, doing reliable work and paying good wages. There would be a programme for widening and improved visibility and he was hoping that the necessary legislation would be passed this session. The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes: If not, it will hold up the work. The Minister replied that possibly some temporary arrangement would be made to help' willing counties. Otherwise they could not plan ahead to com plete main highways. Mr. Wilkinson : Are you. taking ovei the maintenance?

The Minister: Yes, the lot. We will relieve counties altogether from future liability.