BETTER ACCESS FOR SETTLERS

Southland Times, Issue 23377, 8 December 1937, Page 5

BETTER ACCESS FOR SETTLERS

PROVISION FOR ROADING REQUIREMENTS

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 7. In stating that the Supplementary Estimates would make provision for £541,360, in addition to the amount or £1,046,000 already provided on the main Public Works Estimates, the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) today said the passing of these Supplementary Estimates would mark the first step in his determination to tackle the seriously pressing need of many settlers in all parts of the country who for years had suffered the handicap of indifferent access. He indicated that a departmental conference with local bodies had resulted in information covering 6700 miles of road, giving access to 13,380 settlers at an estimated cost of £4,500,000. The provision now made in toe Supplementary Estimates was the first step in an attempt to get these settlers out of the mud within five years. He appealed to county councils with confidence to assist the department in an earnest attempt to deal with what was indeed a pressing need. No effort would be spared by the department to make this a record year for metalling.