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Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1929, Page 4

Tub now Government is striding along. The announcement by Sir .Joseph Ward that it has lveen decided To set up a separate Highways Board for the South Island will he a delight to the motorists concerned in particular, and to many local bodies. The Prime Minister proposes to bring down legislation to give effect to the decision, and it will be interesting to see how the proposal fares. The highways scheme was originally a pet proposition of the Rt. Hon J. G. Coates, who deserves great credit for,moulding a proposition which has been of immense value to the c' untry. While Prime Minister, he set his face definitely against two Boards, although there was a most persistent demand from the South Island. Mr Coates and his immediate followers will probably be of the same opinion

still so that it would appear Sir Joseph is trespassing on ticklish ground. However, in his move he will have whole-hearted support from South Island members including some notable Reform members, and in the end it may he expected the legislation will go through. At the same time it will have to run the gauntlet of the Upper House which is essentially . pro-Relorm, and there may be a check in that quarter. The possibilities of political developments in regard to the plain issue are nut bv any means remote. Since its inception the highways scheme has grown enormously. A large revenue is now being received, and the North Island for varying reasons has lx>on receiving the lion’s share. Tt is -contended that the South Island money is being hoarded unnecessarily, but there are always possible ways of securing it under the subsidy grants. On liie whole we doubt if the South Island will be any better off than before unless the system of subsidies is altered. 11l that case there will be a. division of tlio money on straight out grants, and abuses arc likely to creep in. Tt appears to us. despite the clamour that has lieeti raised, that one independent Board well equipped, with a. responsible staff can do better in the matter of a fair administration than two Boards with separate and lessened interests. However, subject to the voice of Parliament the Government has decided otherwise, and it will be interesting to watch the eventual outcome.