MAIN HIGHWAYS ACT

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1924, Page 1

MAIN HIGHWAYS ACT

MEETING AT GREYMOUTH. The Highways Council for the West Coast Counties met at Oreymouth last evening at 8 o’clock for tit -nose of meeting Mr G. T. A.M.I C.E.. the Inspecting Eng,,, of the Public Works Department, who tv a- deputed by the Main Highways Board at AVellington to confer with Hie local Council. There were present Messrs Higgins (Grey), Archer (Bu’iler), MeATcar (Innngnhua), and Evans (AA'estland). In the absence of the District Engineer (Afr Gillies) at Arthur’s Pass Tunnel, Mr Higgins was vot. ed to the chair, and welcomed Mr .Murray to the meeting.

Air J. O’Brien. Ai.D.. and Air T. AY. Duff (AYesthim! County Chairman) wore also present. Afr Aliirra.v suited the Highways Board had gone closely into the position of the AYost Coast Counties. In some respects they present an enigma. While they averaged the largest area in the Dominion. 8000 as against 0620, their population was the lowest, and their capital values were also the lowest. It was found ton that their road maintenance costs were the lowest, hut their ratings ranged high—in the ease of Tmuigahna County it was the highest percentage rating in the Dominion, standing at 17.16, while AA’estland was 10.2.1. Grey 0.8 and Duller 5.6

In regard to declaring main highways for the district, the (V until bad applied for certain roads from the north Duller boundary to the South AA'estland boundary to he declared a Government road. The Council suggested also that the Coast road between AA’estport and Greyniouth Ik* declared a Government road. The Board had given the suggestions every consideration, hut the most it. was disposed to sanction was a Government road in terms of section 22 oT tin* Highways Act. between Karamoa and il„. 1 laast following the present road lino (he local bodies to continue their present average rate of expenditure wil-hin iheir County boundaries. The Board at this stag*' could not consider the Coast road as a Government- road. In .mV case a special exception was being made of the Coast Comities to meet the position. <H £85.00!) now allocated over the Dominion for Government maintained roads. CID.DDO wa-* spent on the Coast, and Dial average would probably have to lie continued. Ho would, however, he glad to hear uliai the members oi the f otinrii had to say. The Chairman and Mr Archer both urged the taking over of the Coast road from Westport, to Greyniouth. Afr Higgins staled the present cost of maintenance of the Grey County section of 26 miles was meynnd the Council's means, and without help, aftoi March, the road would have to go hack—as it was doing already. Mr Archer stressed the financial stringency in tin* Bailor County, and urged that the road north of Kuril men to the County boundary bo declared a Government road.

Afr AlcYicar staled the position in regard to I iiangahua. where the rates, notwithstanding Hie high levy gave an adequate return. It would lie essential in get (lovernmeiii assistance certainly not less than in the past, if the roads were to be maintained for traffic, the bulk of which passed through the County. Air AJurray thought there might he some revision of the Government subsidy mi rates wliii h would give the Coast Counties an extra £2.000 a year, ft was realised Dial the allocation of the subsidy was inequitable to Dios*' levying high rates, but it required an act of Parliament to aher flic basis ol subside

At the request of Afr Murray. Mr Evans reviewed the position of ill" West lain I County under the Highways legislation, pointing out Diet i! the Act were enforced under its liar*' proposals, ill*' result would he the break down financially of local government on ilie Coast. Of late years many extra burdens were thrown oil the local bodies hv additional duties, while revenue was being taken away. Hospitals, public health, etc., had now to bo contributed to. The mining rate was a diminishing quantity, mu! timber royalties were being appropriated by the Government.. As regards valuations they might Ik* higher, hut it was ihe experience of Westland Cmintv whenever it asked tor a new valuation. that the Council Jiatl to tight the Valuation Department to gain a measure of justice.

In reply- to a question. Mr Evans stated that improved access in Westhind County would give increased production ile instanced tile steady advancement, in the south and relerrcd to the recent report by 'lit. 1 fsecretart of Industries as to the future of the district The Westland County was endeavouring to meet its obligations with ivgnt'd to the toads by procuring machinery, and loans had been raised of late years for roads and bridges. An endeavour was being made to iiml more money for the roads with a motor tax, hut litis was being contested, ihe Cuimeil had made a legitimate effort where it could to meet its obligations, but it was still short of adequate funds to do all that was pressing. Every economy was being used also. To add to the difficulties of the Council, the Public Works Pepatttnent bud recently handed over to the local body the main road from Kuinnra to i!u>s. A report furnished last week showed that an expenditure of nearly £:{.<>;/> was required lor the Loss road bridges alone to make them safe foi traffic. .Meantime loading was reduced to II tons, which was a hardship to the south district, adding great 1 v to the cost of supplies. In closing, Mr Evans said the taking over of the main road as suggested by Mr Murray might be accepted, it being understood that the portion south of llaast I/O considered later in the light of developments. Regarding the region it was suggested the report oi the Commissioner of Crown Lands be obtained. Mr Murray, i» the course of further discussion, mentioned the Highways p.oard would he procuring roadmaking plants which could he hired out At present the value of such plant with the local bodies was about half a million, and £130.000 additional plant was required. He also spoke of compete record being kept of the registration of motor vehicles, as the distribution of the tyre-ax (which by the wav was disappointing m the amount 'raised), would be on the basts of the vehicles registered m the dtsMr TTiegins conveyed the thanks of the meeting to Mr Murray for his attendance and information, and the meeting concluded at 10.1-5 p.m.