MAIN HIGHWAYS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1927, Page 1

MAIN HIGHWAYS

BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, May 18

Over a hundred representatives of the South Island County Councils and motor organisations have assembled here in conference with the members conference was arranged by the South Island Motor Union, with a view to discussing the administration of the Main Highways Act as affecting the South Island. The Chairman of the Hoard (Mr Kurkort) presided, and all the other members of the Board wenpresent.

Mr A. E. Ansell (President of t-lie 5.1.M.U.) said there was an impression that t’ne funds of the Board had been juggled, to the disadvantage of the South Island, by the transfer ol moneys from the Revenue Bund to the Construction Fund.

Mr Furkert said that, probably, such a temporary transicr might be made, because the Minister bad informed the Board that be was unable to provide more than £200,000, as provided for in the Act. The Minister bad suggested temporary transfers on loan as a means of meeting the Board's need for cash. South Island revenue would be transferred, if at all, only to the South Island Construction Fund.

Mr F. W. Johnston said that the motorists would not tolerate the permanent grabbing of the revenue funds, and be moved a resolution favouring the addition to the Board of a South Island motorists’ representative, and a provision for a motorists’ representative on each District Highways Council. (\fr W.vnard (Motorists’ representative on the Board) argued that South Island motorists were entitled to a separate representative. It was a matter for the Government, as the balance of newer on the Board would be affected.

The resolution was not submitted to a vote, nor were the subject motions.

Mr F. Bowman .(Southland) moved: That, in view of the largely-increasing cost of the maintenance of the main roads,'the Board lie asked to increase the maintenance subsidy in the South Island, and thus make available for expenditure funds now accumulated io the credit of the revenue account. The Chairman said there was uo chance of any increase in the subsidy. At the present rate of 30s to £l, the amount in hand might all be expended in two or three years.

Amongst the recommendations discussed were: The co-ordinating of the work of the counties along the highways; the safeguarding of the new and reconstructed highways, and the proper maintenance of all highways; the exercising of the Board’s powers undei the Act where local authorities refuse reasonable maintenance ot main highways ; the classification of roads with a view to increased subsidies whet e merited; also a higher type of pavement adjacent to urban centres. The Counties’ representatives suggested greater consideration for important feeders ot declared main highways. and also that a petrol tax he recommended. The conference carried a resolution appreciating the work of the Board.