RELIEF TO COUNTIES

Evening Star, Issue 22451, 23 September 1936, Page 1

RELIEF TO COUNTIES

GOVERNMENT TAKING OVER 4,000 MILES OF HIGHWAY [From Ock Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 22. How county councils throughout the Dominion would be relieved of a heavy financial responsibility for highways by the Government taking over from them 4,000 miles of main highways was described by Mr Semple (Minister of Works) in the House to-night. He stated his intention, if possible, to introduce the necessary legislation this session if his colleagues would agree to this course. All over New Zealand there were gaps in the main highways duo entirely to some counties refusing to contribute their quota for widening and paving to main highway standard. By taking over 4,000 miles of arterial roads the Main Highways Board would relievo the counties of all future obligations whatever. It might be suggested that this was unfair to tho counties which had already contributed towards improvements, but it was estimated that, his programme would relieve those counties of £IOO,OOO annually which they otherwise would be compelled to pay. Mr Wilkinson; How are you to do the work? The Minister replied that some would bo done by tho board and some by contract, as there .were certain firms which had been contracting for many years and doing reliable work, paying good wages. There would bo a programme for widening and improved visibility, and he was Imping that the necessary legislation would be passed this session. Mr Forbes: If not, it will hold up the work. The Minister replied that possibly some temporary arrangement could be made to help the willing counties; otherwise they could not plan ahead to complete the main highways. Mr Wilkinson: Are you taking over maintenance? Tho Minister: Yes, the lot. We will relievo the counties altogether from future liability.