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Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1924, Page 2

The County Council at its meeting oil Tuesday showed a desire to utilise its plant for the betterment of the district ynn,ds. As the Chairman remarked, it was a matter of funds, and ii the vehicle owners would co-operate in providing revenue, the Council would not he slow on its part in attempting the work. As a matter of fact it was de(jdod to treat the road between Hokitipn and Ixanieri in order to place it in more lasting order. It is suggested to scarify the road by machinery, then grade it, and finally roll it. Ibis does not mean necessarily a large amount of fresh material, but the treatment oi tile material already on the road in such a way a.s to get better results. Experience, by the way, is showing too, that it is not the largo broken metal which is best suited for motor tralfio. but tlie finer crushed material, which hinds better and gives a more even surface less liable to “proud” sections caused by the large projecting metal. There is no doubt that the road roller, once it operates, will he able to convert many of the highways into a more comI'oi table condition. Tnc bumps now so noticeable should disappear with the tearing up of the road, its regrading and subsequent rolling. The advance made in the means of locomotion calls for changed methods, il the roads are f.> be of any standard of com tori, 'the local bodies have a difficulty in keeping up with the times, because of the lack of funds, hut it is more economical in the end to strive to lay down a piece of good road than to he always patching a had road. Ihe latter is always robbing tin' revenue, and never giving comfort to trnveller.s. However finance is a |>robletn to itselt, and no doubt the local bodies will continue to do the best they can with the resource; at their disposal.

The discussion at Greyinonth the other evening on ilio subject ot highways with the local body representatives, revealed very few new features, exeejit the recognition hv the Government Board that the conditions of local government on tne Coast were exceptional, and needed sjeeial treatment. It is clem that from a jating point of view the local bodies are extracting a high percentage of revenue from the ratepayers, and are not shirking resjionsihilities in other directions. The distiiets aie all large and extensive, and ike Grown and other lands are also expansive). Revenue is restricted on that account, while even what is collectable e in some eases now being appropriated by the Government. There was one remark passed at the Conferen: e hv the Government representative present, which is of interest- and that was that the subsidy on rates was not on an equitable basis. for fully a quarter of a century, thi.- face mis been urged u I ion County (’onterence meetings and •sin cessivo (governments, but without

at nil. 'Hie richer bodies which aro receiving: ilro advantage of the present allocation, have votes enough to dominate the position. The two County representatives on tho Highways Hoard li.’(• both fully aware of the anomalies of the position, and with the assistance of tlie Government representatives should be able to bring considerable influence to hear in the right quarter. If the local bodies received a uniform subsidy in proportion C> the amount raised, there would he lass necessary for appealing so frequently for grants. 'I he subsidy is the fairest method of help, because it encourages the people to help themselves. However, with the position being recognised, and the special situation of the Coast local bodies also recognised, there arc now better hopes of legitimate help to ensure the Highways Act being n ore equitably applied m this district.