CONTROL OF HIGHWAYS

Evening Star, Issue 22459, 2 October 1936, Page 13

CONTROL OF HIGHWAYS

IMPORTANT ALTERATIONS IN BILL MORE POWER WITH MINISTER [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 1. Important alterations in the law governing control of the main highways in New Zealand are contained in the Main liighways Amendment Bill, introduced into the House by Governor-General’s Message. Thp Bill renders it necessary for the consent of the Minister of Works to be obtained before any work of construction of main highway is commenced. The Minister’s consent may b« granted subject to conditions imposed by him, which may relate to specified works or to a general programme of works. At the present time the Main Highways Board has the sole power of deciding whether or not any work (whether construction or maintenance) is to be commenced on any main highway. The board’s power to sanction works of maintenance is not restricted. The Main Highways Board is empowered to classify any main highway as a State highway, but the Minister’s approval must first be obtained. The board’s power to determine the standard of construction and maintenance for main highways is exercisable as at present without the Minister’s approval. The whole of the cost of the construction and maintenance of State highways is to be provided out of the main highways account, subject to the following exceptions: —(a) Works in excess or, or in addition to, the standard prescribed by the board are not to bo paid for out of the main highways account unless the board decided to provide the whole or part of the additional cost; (b) the liabilities of local authorities at the time of classification of a State highway are not to be affected unless the board decides to- remit or refund any contribution payable by a local authority. At the present time the hoard is liable to find not less than one-third of the cost of maintenance, and not loss than ouc-half of the cost

of construction in respect of all main highways. Provision is made for appeals to the Minister from decisions by the Main Highways Board fixing the contributions to be made by local authorities towards the cost of any works on main highways, including decisions as to remissions or refunds in respect of State highways. The Bill provides for the appointment of a deputy-chairman of the Main Highways Board, who is to bo a Government member.