PUBLIC WORKS METHODS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1651, 18 January 1913, Page 6

PUBLIC WORKS METHODS.

>K MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. ,

For years past the Public Works De.partraent in New Zealand has been criticised for using antiquated methods in\road and railway: construction, and sticking to the use of 'wheel-barrow and shovel instead of. utilising modem laboursaving machinery.. When the, matter -was mentioned yesterday :to tho Hon, A\. Eraser, Minister for Public Works, he remarked that large implements and machines could' only be used by. largo contractors, and it was not the intention of the Government at present to adopt any such ■methods in the .construction of roads and railways. The contract system which they had' adopted was ono in which six or seven men could tako up a contract., If these parties of men- required Particular tools' to' do their, work the. Public Works Deportment would supply them and charge for them on completion of tho job. No radical change, the' Minister added, could be made at once. i'An army of men were dependent for employment at present on public ; works,' and any alteration in the system that had been in vogue in the past would hnvo to bo raado by" steps; taken gradually and with consideration. "There always will bo a certain section of the community," Mr. Eraser added, "who, stand in need of employment, and aro unable to compete with others in regard to oqntrncts—for whom work will havo to bp found during the slack months-,of the year."