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Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1928, Page 2

Tin: policy regarding the upkeep of main highways is broadening. At the Borough Council meeting on Friday night it was mentioned that the streets in the town used as the link between tiie main highway in the adjoining counry, bad now been declared a highway and w.is subject to the same basis ol subsidy as the ordinary main highway. This seems but fair, as with tho increasing volume of motor traffic nowa lays, there is a large addition to the vehicle traflic passing over Borough roads which are part and parcel of the main highway system. Tho oxp ’lienee here this season is an example of the marked increase in the volume of traffic up and down Westland. In addition, the local motor services in and out of the town, have licen carrying it, greatly increased number of nassengers, so that traflic must have resulted in much extra wear and tear over the streets of the town. Under the policy its now extended there will be a subsidy to the local Council ol not less than 30s for every £1 spent in maintenance. Any construction work in regard to the streets in question will lie subsidised, separately on a basis in proportion to the cost and importance of tlic work. Under the subsidy system the Council will have a freer hand in the matter, in that works ol necessity can h<> put in band, with the knowledge that a ro..sonable subsidy to cover foreign traffic using tho streets, will Ik 1 paid liv the Highways Board. There is just one difference between town and country local bodies in this matter. 111 the country the main highway is a direct route from point to point. 111 the towns there are several streets leading from point to point. Those are in the nature of a detour, and some form of financial help should he given for the diverted traffic which traverses the town, and exits by (lie highway. Some reasonable consideration should lie shown the towns in this respect., and if this were granted there would bo very little to cavil at.