HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 120, 17 November 1932, Page 13

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House of Eepresentatives met at 2.30 p.m. to-aay.

-".Several reports of Select Committees were presented.

!■■ Mr. J. N. Massey (Government, Franklin) asked the Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister-in-Chargo of the Audit Department and the Statistician's Department (the Hon. A. Hamilton) .whether the resolution passed at the road costing conference held on 28th July, 1932—ten Government Departmental officers represented the Main Highways Board, Public Works Department, Transport Department, Government Statistician's -Department, and Audit Department, at this conference— approving the form of a standard road time-sheet and urging county councils t<> adopt'such time-sheet or at least provide in. their office systems for the form of information as set forth in the proposed standard road time-sheet to be provided, had received his approval. "If; the resolution of the road costing conference has not been approved'by the Minister," said Mr. Massey, "will be consider the advisability of urgently requesting all county councils to defer the bringing into operation of any new road costing system into their offices, -which may add to administrative costs, until after the proposed' inquiry has been held- into local bodies administration, when no doubt evidence will bo taken: on the questions of uniform road costing systems and standardisation of : aeeounts? In view of the present economic situation and the fact that in many counties ratepayers are to-day unable to provide the moneys necessary for essential road maintenance- work, urgent action is necessary to avoid any additional administrative expenses being incurred at the present time by county councils in connection -with the introduction of new roa*d costing systems and the compilation and preparation of the statistical- data relating to road costs, as recommended by the road costing conference.

"I have had an opportunity of perusing the recommendations of the road costing' conference," the Minister replied, "but no decision has yet been reached to give effect to them. The subject is an important one, and I apj»eciate its connection with the proposals for reform in local government, administration. I will confer with my colleagues affected by the proposals, and •■will be pleased to give due consideration to" the point of view represented by the hon. member."

The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor-General's Message. The Minister of Health (.the Hon. J. A. Young) explained that the Bill provided'the necessary machinery for reducing the number of hospital districts and altering the boundaries of districts. Any changes -would be brought about as a result of discussions in the districts affected. , - . v (Proceeding.)