The Evening Star THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1936. PUBLIC WORKS.

Evening Star, Issue 22446, 17 September 1936, Page 10

The Evening Star THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1936. PUBLIC WORKS.

With much of what is said by the Hon. Robert Semple in the Public Works Statement, presented in the House of Representatives yesterday, it is possible to agree. He is a severely practical man, as distinct from the amateur and theorist, and in selecting him for his present Ministerial position Mr Savage showed considerable perspicacity. Mr Semple has the courage of his convictions, also, and on occasion has had no hesitation in addressing unpalatable home truths to recalcitrant camp-followers. What gives rise to anxiety is the amount of money that it is proposed to expend on public works, some of them of the most dubious character. The sum set down is more than, six millions greater than the total last year—£8,543,700, against £2,484,561. It is true that the economic conditions in the Dominion have improved very substantially, but it is extremely doubtful if the position justifies such an extraordinary rise in the expenditure. Having sharply increased taxation contrary to a promise not to do so, the Government no doubt is counting on the country in a more prosperous state generally being able to stand the strain. It will be noted that the eight and a-half millions which it is proposed to expend are to be diverted into four channels —communications and transport, land development, erection of public buildings, and development of electric power. No exception could be taken to this apportionment provided that it was felt that the money was to be judiciously spent. This, unfortunately, is not altogether the case. Contrasting the Coalition Ministry’s thrift in the depression years—for which the country ought to be profoundly thankful—with the present Government’s intentions, the Minister in bis Statement declares that Cabinet is attempting to remedy the position by providing for a reasonable development of the national resources, using ordinary revenue to assist where the

works are of such a nature as not to realise a full return on the annual cost. That is a fair view to take provided that it can be demonstrated that the proposed works will serve a purpose that will justify the expenditure. In the Statement there is one glaring instance to the contrary, and that is the determination expressed to recommence construction work on the Na-pier-Gisborne, South Island Main Trunk, and the Westport-Inangahua railways. Reports of experts, taking into consideration every aspect of this matter, have been definitely against the further prosecution of these lines, and the more motor transport develops the more obvious does the accuracy of their conclusions appear. Under modern conditions the matter of reading must be one of the most important of the functions of the Public Works Department, and it will be noted that in order to unify the control of the principal arterial highways and to ensure that such highways are properly conditioned for continuous service, it is proposed to place approximately 4,000 miles under the direct control of the Main Highways Board, wiiose functions, however, are to be regulated in accordance with the Government’s policy of assuming direct responsibility for the expenditure of public moneys. Irrigation is another matter of first-rate importance. Notwithstanding failures in the past because of lack of knowledge and experience, valuable results ii® increased production can be obtained from the application of water to the land in suitable areas, and it is satisfactory to note that the Maniototo scheme, which has been recommended by officials in the past and approved by various Ministers, is to be prosecuted, the first stage to embrace the irrigation of 30,000 acres. One point that is specially to be commended in the Statement is the Minister’s expressed determination to persist with the cooperative contract system of working, under which the men are encouraged to do their best, and the Stale receives a fair return for the money expended. The Statement is worth careful study. It contains much that is practical, and that is to be approved. If only we had the purse of a Fortunatus all would be well. As it is, the ever-reaurrent cry arises: Where is the money to come from ?