COUNTRY ROADS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10509, 20 November 1912, Page 4

COUNTRY ROADS.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. Per Press Association. Auckland, November 18. A deputation of representatives from the Auckland Industrial Association and Chamber of Commerce waited upon the Prime Minister, and placed before him resolutions passed at a recent conference of the two bodies with 'reference reading question. “The views of the deputation,” said Mr Massey in reply, “are largely my views. ’ ’ He went on to say that reading before settlement was a good principle, but where men had no capital the Government found it necessary to give settlers something to do. He pointed out that Parliamentary grants now for reading were ,no less than the average for some years past, and be was pleased to say legislation had been passed only this year for further assisting settlers in new country. Mr Massey quoted a section of the State Guaranteed Advances Act, which provided that a sum not exceeding £350,000 should be set aside yearly for reading by loeal bodies for development purposes. Next year Parliament would be asked to consider a Local Bodies Bill, which would contain provision for the taking over of such arterial roads ,as were recommended by the . Public Works Department. Referring to the King Country, the Prime Minister said that more money had been spent there for development purposes, particularly in Taumarunui district, than in any other electorate. The Government fully recognised, he concluded, the importance of opening up country by roads where dairying was possible.