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Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1927, Page 2

i’llK average ratepayer, while agreeing that the highways traffic has grown enormously, will not be prepared to subscribe readily to the system which calls on him for an increased contribution for upkeep for roads used largely by others who arc not ratepayers. In former times the ratepayer can say lie maintained the roads to suit the district traffic, and did not ask ior outside assistance. Now, a fresh set of circumstances have arisen, and lie is expected to hear the brunt of this greatly increased cost of maintenance for traffic, much of which is “foreign,” and a great deal of which is transi-tory--people from other parts oi the Dominion passing quickly up and down the district, doing business, perhaps, or deriving pleasure. This brings us to the economic aspect, and in that regard we have to remember that some loads are “main highways’’ and some are not. 'When the “main highways” are involved there is a contribution from the Board, but where ordinary district roads are concerned there is not any monetary help from the Board. To illustrate the latter class of roads, Lake Kanieri and Kotahi roads, may be mentioned. These roads though used extensively a.s feeders of the main highways and much in use by “foreign” traffic (i.e. outside the use of the ordinary resident ratepayer) are a direct charge on the local body only. There should he some classification of arterial roads, and feeders of main highways should come within the category, so that rolL.f will he given ratepayers in a legitimate way. Hoads nowadays are not a matter purely of local interest. They have such a wider use that roads have become colonial, and funds raised for reading should have a more generous distribution in localities where the state of the general traffic warrants it. It is manifest that the coming confereii'c has matters for serious attention before it. Both Canterbury and Otago have provincial schemes in mind for their respective districts, but the other parts of the South Island must not he omitted. With the effort being made by the large East Coast localities, a deagree of parochialism might invade the j discussion, but the Highways Board, as an impartial authority may Ik? expected to act fairly in the matter. At the same time it is essential to put forward the position and needs of the other parts of the South Island In no uncertain strain.