PUBLIC WORKS LAW.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1923, Page 1

PUBLIC WORKS LAW.

AN AMENDING Bi Id

WELLINGTON. July 21

An amendment of the Public Works Act was introduced in the House ol Re presentatives, under the charge of the ||,,q ( oates. It contains a ntlinhei- o! clauses of a machinery character. which will facilitate the operation of the principal Act. There are some feature applying to electrical development. It is provided that all holders of licenses to develop hydro-electrie power shall not later than June 30 in each year submit in the Minister a return shotting the power developed, financial results and any other information required h.v the regulations to he issued governing this section. The Minister is authorised Io grant permits for small water-power installations which do not generate more than ‘2~ f Isorsp-powor, iunl n licensee is to bo prohibiteil from selling any of the ponor so generated. The Minister is given general power to cancel or vary licenses to utilise water-power or to ereci electric linos, whether these licenses were issued helore or after the passing of this Rill. Where the Public Works Department i- operating a section of railway not taken over by the Railways Department, a clause in the Bill empowers the Department to gazette scales of charges for the use of the railway or for dues payable by vessels u-iiig wliarvc- constructed tor the Railway Department hut not taken over by that Department. The Minister will also have the powers exercisable by the Minister of Railways in collecting unpaid charges on goods or in respect to goods the owners ol which are not known.

Mr Coates said that the most Important clause was one dealing with the taking of a road. Quite a lot of time was lost in having to advertise, give notice and get, agreements signed, and when there were absentees it was often months before a road could ho legalised. During the winter months it had been necessary to hwl work for men. and ditfiouhv hud beet* experienced in getting deviations and negotiatin'' roads pas.-ing through certain properties. Tn ease of a railway, there was no difficulty. The centre line was simple laid out. a proclamation issued, and 'compensation was fixed afterward-. That was what the Bill pt°posed in connection with reading. Mr AY il ford: Does it apply to any particular road? Air Coates: No: it is general. The point is whether local authorities are -.•) bare this power to enable them to