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Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1920, Page 2

The House disposed of the PublicWorks Statement and (Estimates in one sitting-day—on —which is an •earnest that the session is drawing rapidly -to a close. The amount voted for the year is something over three millions and a half, against which there was on the 31 sb March last a liability of £954,000. It- is safe to anticipate therefore that the total expenditure this year will exceed that of the last which was above two millions. The debate in the House was more general than specific, except in regard to the charges levelled against the Ministry as to favoritism in the road and railway votes for Auckland, where a prepondance of the public money is being spent. This leaning towards the north has been in evidence for som e years past, but the rest of New Zealand has elected not to observe it in a very critical way, Now that the Wellington members are turning attention to the obvious fact, they could if they wished to join forces with the South Island members exercise a correcting influence with the object of securing moro justice for other parts of the Dominion. Hie Country seems to bo ripe now for a new departure in its public works policy, and if afforded the time w© believe the present Minister of Public Works will bring a desirable change to pass. There was the promise of the introduction of the policy this year, and the fact that it is omitted suggests that the details are not yet fully defined. Probably when the next Public Works Statement is brought down Mr Coates will announce a policy which will bo a distinct reform on that heretofore observed. It might bo something of this nature so far as roads and bridges are concerned—the allocation of a gross sum to each district, the authorities of which are to determine the works on which the money is to be spent. As regards railways that expenditure of necessity must rest with the government, and already Mr Contes lias intimated the line of con-r centration lie purposes pursuing. The' works in band-have necessarily to be considered on their merits and the votes are appropriated accordingly. The concentration in regard to the Otira tunnel is an evidence of the genuine at

teffipt the Minin ter is making to meet the situation. Apropos of the carrying out of public works in an economical and effective manner, Mr Coates states in one portion his late Statement that “the increased use of inaclunery is contemplated.” This is but following the lead of other countries whore labor being scarce and costly and materials very dear, a more expeditious moans of handling works has to be devised. Mr Coates goes on to say in his Statement that he hopes “to be able to employ the most up-to-date methods in connection with road making and maintenance.”- The Westland County Council Ss (anticipating this forward policy by next week puti ting before' the electors a proposal to borrow for road-making machinery, and so give the ratepayers of the district the] advantage of quicker and more efficient work. There is little doubt that if the Coujnty Ciuncfil secures

the plant contemplated it c ao be kept in constant ujje throughout the district all the year round. If the plant were available no doubt the Government would be prepared to hire it when not in use on County roads, for the repairs and maintenance of the main roads. There is the assurance to be drawn also, that if the plant were her e to carry out road works, the County Council would secure more grants for district roads improvement, because the money would be made to go further and produce better results. With a road! making plant such as is proposed it would not be long before the Kokatahi main road could be widened throughout, or the Lake Kanieri road put in greatly improved order. Other district roads in need of widening or extending would receive the necessary consideration and attention much quick er than it would be possible under present conditions with the shortage of efficient labour and the lack of transport facilities. The proposal therefore offers a special opportunity to the County electors to take an important step towards efficiency and economy in road construction and maintenance. Any saving which can be effected in one part of the district will be to the advantage of the vjhole County, and the possibility of all this is offered now by the adoption of the loan proposals to secure the plant necessary for the good roads scheme.