MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19008, 8 May 1924, Page 4

MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD.

FINANCE GUARANTEED BY PREMIER. HIGHWAYS SHORTLY TO BE GAZETTED. The Main Highways Board met in Wellington last week. The greater portion of the meeting was devoted to a review of the position in regard to the declaration of main highways. A number of representations were received from local authorities and others relative to details of routes, omission of certain roads from the proposed declarations, etc. These were all fully considered by the board and dealt with.

Applications from certain local authorities for assistance towards proposed works of construction, maintenance, ets. were dealt with.

The board is now in a position to submit its proposals for the declaration of main highways under section 3 of the Main Highways Act to the Governor-General and it is anticipated that highways will be gazetted within the next ten days.

The question of finance has caused the board some concern owing to the Motor Vehicles Bill having not been proceeded with last year, and consequently the source of the maintenance funds not being available.

It was decided to wait on the Prime Minister and represent to him that whereas the board’s finance as derived from tyre tax and not yet required for interest on works is sufficient to enable a commencement to bo made, unless there is some assurance that the Bill will be proceeded with this session or sufficient revenue assured to the board from some other source in the future, the board would have to seriously consider whether it was justified in proceeding with its proposals for the declaration of any main highways. The board accordingly waited on the Prime Minister and Ministers of Public Works and Internal Affairs on Saturday morning. The Prime Minister was sympathetic to the board’s representations, and assured the board that he would do his best to find the necessary funds. The chairman reported to the board the result of his conference with the Mines Department and Director of Geological Survey in regard to the setting up of a petrological laboratory, and stated the financial assistance required from the Main Highways Board to ensure the establishment of such an institution in New Zealaud. The board resolved to adopt the chairman’s report and to advise the Mines Department that the board would give the finanical assistance required.

Mr. Bruce, member of the Main Highways Board, representing the New Zealand Counties’ Association, reported that in company with the chairman of No. 15 Highway District, he had waited upon the Ashburton County Council,, and further discussed with them the question of their objections to active participation in the highways scheme. Mr. Bruco stated that the outcome of the interview was that the Ashburton County Council had now agreed to come into the scheme, and would appoint a member to represent them on the District Council. This has since been confirmed by telegram.

The next meeting of the board was fixed for May 29.