THAT £700,000.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17076, 13 April 1927, Page 6

THAT £700,000.

MONEY LYING IDLE.

HIGHWAYS BOARD SUBSIDY

EXTENSION TO TOWNS

In common with protests from other parts of the Dominion, a complaint was made at the annual meeting of the Frankton Ratepayers and Citizens’ Association last night to the effect that no subsidy was given by the Main Highways Board for the maintenance of main roads within town boundaries. Mr B. S. Harris considered that the Main Highways Board should assist in the maintenance of main roads through boroughs, and be approached to set aside sums of money to enable borough councils in the leading towns and cities to keep certain- thoroughfares in first-class order. Main Highways subsidy should not cease at town boundaries. Mr .1. Gilbert mentioned that the unexpended funds of the Main Highways Board amounted to more than £700,000, and this year’s fees had yet to be added. To make available an equitable proportion of the money for expenditure within boroughs a special provision would have to be mado in the Motor Vehicles Act. It was stated that in the towns the working man was called upon to pay for the maintenance of efficient motor roads lie never used, and the Main Highways Board should be prevailed upon to relieve the worker of the burden of rates as far as possible. Another speaker thought it scandalous that a quarter of a million sterling should be lying idle when it could be used to provide w r ork for the unemployed. Finally a resolution was passed that representations be made to have the main thoroughfares of towns subsidised by the Main Highways Board.