The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 21, 1926. HIGHWAYS CONTROL.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 21, 1926. HIGHWAYS CONTROL.

The particulars given last week in regard.to control of the main highways in No. 12 district, indicate that there is a good deal of work going forward. From the annual returns it will bo seen that the district, which comprises the four West Coast Counties of Buller, Inangahna, Grey and Westland, received the highest expenditure in both construction and maintenance'work in the South Island. Only four districts in the .North Island exceeded No. 12 district in construction work, and. only one district in the North Island exceeded the amount of the expenditure for maintenance in No. 12 district. Of a total expenditure of £85,950 in the South Island, £36,533 was spent- in No 12 district for construction. In regard to maintenance expenditure, £29.859 was spent in No. 12 district- out of a total of £97,035 for the South Island. 111 No. 12 district a good deal of expenditure will require to he continued as in addition to newly constructed bridges being necessary at several crossings, many other bridges are in need of renewal. With the cost of material being so high, a large expenditure is thus inevitable. But it- is at least satisfactory to find the problem of t-lie bridges being attacked as vigorously as it is. At- the same time it is shortening the funds available for essential road improvements such as widening and regrading ete. But the figures disclose that the most essential services of the moment—the bridges—are receiving attention. It is rather to be regretted that the main south road which is essentially an arterial highway for a settlement district- of great promise, cannot he maintained as a second class road. It has been explained that the road in its present state is costing £6O a mile for maintenance, and that is the limit of expenditure permitted. The decision is that- it is preferable to maintain a good thirdclass road. That is the position for this year at least, hut- it seems to us the requirements of the district are such that- in the absence of railway connection the district is deserving of a more substantial road, and one more in keepimr with the .growing needs of the district. There is a very steady volume of traffic over the road, and the seasonal traffic in the tourist months is very considerable. This latter is sure to he a growing quantity, while the natural development as settlement- expands, and produce increases will also he increasing in volume. Certainly the bridges along the route are the most urgent requirement, and a

noticeable effort is being made to supply what is required. At the same time, it will bo recognised, as tlio bridges aro provided so the road traffic will increase, more and more use being made of a highway of great interest which will lose its terrors to many motorists. ns the difficult streams and crossings arc spanned by bridges. The •improved .surfacing of the road for heavier and more constant traffic is inevitable, and it would he an advantage also to see sections of the road widened, and some of the difficult corners, especially on gradients, eased. The main south road is a material factor in the progress of the district. It i.s the feeder for the whole stretch of country south of Ross and the railway, and it must bo realised that the road should bo made equal to all possible demands for transport. Bearing this in mind interest in the efficient maintenance of the road should not ho at all slack, hut there should be a steady demand for the rights of the district to lie met in this respect, as fully and as speedily as possible.