The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th, 1926. HIGHWAYS BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th, 1926. HIGHWAYS BOARD.

Tiijshk can be little doubt about tbe earnestness with which the Highways Board is pursuing; its way. At Clyde, in Central Otago, on Monday morning, the evening saw the party dining at Timaru, and the next evening the members were discussing roads and bridges with the Westland County Council. The members of the Board are quite en fait with their work. In the Chairman they bate a gentleman who knows New Zealand very thoroughly. The other (iovernment representative is an experienced officer. There are two County members—one for each Island—both long associated with County government. The fifth member is a representative of the mis , torists who pay a considerable sum in direct taxation, the proceeds of which is the revenue of the Highways Board. From tiio discussion here it was plain that the members of the Board desired to ho as helpful as they eoald. The round-the-table discussion Vith the County Council was quite a friendly discussion and was no doubt enlightening to both parties. The local body lias its burden to shoulder, and its ability to contribute a greater sum towards the upkeep of the main highways is governed hv its finance. From figures placed before the visiting Board it was shown that over 67 per cent, of its gross income went in road maintenance. The Westland County has the greatest mileage of main highways and district roads on the Const, and it will be seen that there must be a very considerably outgoing for upkeep. The Board members seemed to think that because the rate per pound levied on the ratepayers was the lowest on the Coast, that this district was tli lightest rated. But there is another laefor to be taken into consideration, and that is tbe amount of tbe valuation. The gross amount collected is n better index, and in considering that sum. there is to he considered also the economy in administration. In the latter respect, the Westland County is

the most economic. l )], leaving more money free for roads and roading. On tlie financial side the Council was able to make out a very good case as to the stringency of funds, and the difficulty without additional taxation "liich would he burdensome- of levying more rates to he raised for increased payments for the highway. Tn regard to some of the works urgent) v required for the improvement of the main highway, and in which representatives of the Automobile Assoc':tion rendered good support, the Board appeared to he friendly disposed. The offer on behalf of the County Council to assist with some of the small culverts required was a practical one. indicating bona tides on the part of the County representatives. As to the general question of the smaller bridges which are required so urgently, it would appear these will have to wait some considerable time. There was the suggestion the Waiho bridge

should he out of the way first. If that he so, hopes will l>e very much deferred. Seeing that the bridges are so urgently required a conference of local bodies with the Automobile Association, Progress League, and representatives of the Farmers’ Union, might he held to ascertain what financial offer could be made on behalf of the district in the endeavour to hasten the erection of the bridges. Probably a •sum of £IO,OOO is required to build the four bridges specially needed at this juncture. If towards that sum a quarter could be raised on loan with the necessary local body backing, it

should be possible to induce the Board to erect the bridges inside two years. The alternative is to wait an indefinite period, and season after season bemoan the fate of the district hampered as it will ho for the want of the bridges. On the showing of the Board members it is a case for the people to do something to help in the matter. The Board is contributing somewhat li-

berally as was pointed out. and a little practical help as suggested would justify a further extension of the policy prevailing. As to the visit of the Board, though it is extremely hurried, it should prove of ultimate benefit. A

knowledge of the people and the district will have been acquired. The location and need for urgent works will he seen, and ocular demonstration is much before a letter and a plan setting out the situation. If on top of the useful visit, local action could be focussed to offer some moiety more or less substantial towards the erection of the bridges so much needed on the main south road, the outcome of the tour to this part of New Zealand should he most (satisfactory, f.ocally, at all events, the people will appreciate the earnestness "of the Hoard members with their job, and

their evident desire lo do the best possible in an equitable manner for the reading of this important district now so much in the development stage.