The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1914. A PROGRESSIVE PUBLIC WORKS POLICY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2286, 21 October 1914, Page 4

The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1914. A PROGRESSIVE PUBLIC WORKS POLICY

The Public Works Sta.te'ment, which was submitted to the House of Representatives by the Hon. W. Eraser last night, discloses a decidedly satisfactory position both as regards the work done during tho year 1913-ISI and the proposals for tho present year. Heal progress has been made, and the Government shows that it is' fully alive to the necessity of providing' for the._ legitimate needs of the country with as littlo delay as possible. The Reform Ministry deserves much credit for its success in overcoming, the financial difficulties it has had to grapple with, and no one whose eyes are not blinded by party prejudice will deny that its policy has greatly strengthened the financial position of the oountry. In the present crisis in the Empire's history New Zealand is profiting by the foresight which the Government has displayed since its accession to power. The prudent course adopted in regard to tho expenditure on public works in view of the unsettled condition of the money market after the close of last session is amply justifying itself at the present juncture by making it possible to keep things going actively, and thereby providing occupation for many wno would'otherwise be unemployed. As regards the operations of the past year, the following figures relating to the funds available and the expenditure there-j of; show that there has been no halt-' ing by tho way so far as tho Public Works Department is conoerned:— 1 £ £ Ways and means],. 4,069,811 Ordinary expenditure 2,421,807 Charges and "expenses in respect to raising loans 105,460 Redemption of debentures 864,000 i 2,891,257 Credit balance at end of year ... 1,178,584 This substantial credit balance is a very useful asset in these days. It is proposed to provide additional funds as under for the current year: — '£ i Balance of authorised loan : moneys 227,628 Transfer from Consolidated Fund 850,000 Proposed new loan 8,000,000 Total 8,577,628 This sum when added to the balance brought forward will place at tho disposal of the Government a sum of £4,756,212, the estimated expenditure for tho current year being put down at £3,402,758: This should enablo the Government to maintain a vigorous and progressive public works policy at a time when tho country will most feel its benefit. The Statement makes it quito clear that the Government is fully alive to the importance of the part which -the country settler plays in maintaining the prosperity of tho country. The need is recognised of "greater efficiency and progress ill providing that essential factor in successful settlement of tho land— pood roads and bridges," Thr, Local s>;ants and Subsides Bill now be-

fore Parliament may be expected to place the system of making grants l'or theso works-on sounder foundations; but tho most perfect machinery can do nothing unless adequate financial provision is made to cnaulo the works to be carried on vigorously. The expenditure on roads last year was £493,638, and the provision made for the current year clearly indicates that the Government intends to see .that necessarv road works are to be kept going wft-li unabated vigour. If the land is t-o be effectively occupied, and if the work of settlement is to progress as raflidly as it should, good roads must be provided. To bo niggardly in this matter would ' be mistaken economy. The State will be amply repaid for its expenditure on roads and bridges. Railway construction is also a matter of first-rate importance, and it is satisfactory to find that good progress has been made in this department of State activity. ELuring tho year nearly GO miles of riiflway were completed and opened for traffic, while 37 miles wero practically completed though not handed over to the Railway authorities for traffic. Tho rate of progress was greater than that of the previous year, when 53 miles were opened for traffic,and 29 miles practically completed. Tho Minister is in a position to report Considerable progress in the work of developing the water power of tho Dominion, and the first stage of tho Lako Oolcridge scheme has been completed. Last year's expenditure amounted to £142,827, which is considered heavy; for the current year a vote of £52,000 is proposed. The Minister states that the demand for workers' dwellings is increasing, and the Government is evidently determined to do its best a to cope with requirements in this direction, for a vote of £92,000 is proposed for the acquisition of land, road formation,and erection of dwellings. Limits of space make it impossible to refer to many other important items dealt with in the Statement, but the outstanding points to which we have called attention are sufficient to indicate that the needs of the Dominion as far as public works are concorned 'are to be met in a vigorous, businesslike, and sympathetic spirit.