“NOT A SHILLING AVAILABLE”

Western Star, 30 August 1918, Page 3

“NOT A SHILLING AVAILABLE”

“EXCEPT FOR THE WAR.” “ There’s not a shilling available, except for the war—not a shilling,” was the burden of a reply by Sir William Fraser, Minister of Public Works, to a. deputation from Waimarino district, which waited upon him him last week, to. ask for improved roads in that district. It had been said) by the Mayor of Ohakune that a certain, important road in the 'district was impassable for motor traffic during nine mouths of the year, although he admitted it might be passable for drays for six months. He urged that good roads were essential to ‘efficiency in production, without which it would not be possible for New Zealand to carry the burden of the cost of the war. Sir William replied that he was in complete agreement that a certain amount of expenditure on public works would help New Zealand', to carry on the war; but there was no money available, for these works. It was no use to. blink the matter ; the money was simply not here. He believed that, before the end of March, the next 20-million loan would have; to be; raised; and, with another 26 millions taken from the people;, there would he. little left for public works.. He did not see how any money could be used>, until after j the war, for the making of roads suitable for motor traffic. At present, the Government could not even make new roads to any extent; and the Government would not metal new roads, unless the local body paid half the cost.