The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1929. ROADS AND ROADING.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1929. ROADS AND ROADING.

Roads are so highly essential for the steady process of settlement, that the matter of extensions and improvements where possible should la; zealously attempted. The local body in this district with the material aid of the Government, has been responsible for the pushing on of the road works, and the settled districts are being well served on the whole. The main

hi'glnvays system has been a great lever towards better reading. Indeed, without the help from that quarter access would be very backward indeed. As the roads have been improved they have been brought into more general use, and the upshot has been a steady demand for more roads, and particularly extensions of existing roads. The motor traffic has been the deciding factor in regard to' the necessity for better roads, and that traffic is siill a compelling factor in the requirement for more and better roads. The Chairman of the Geraldine County Council remarked last week that better bridges, improved road construction, and a higher standard of surfacing, are what is demanded these times for the - convenience and safety of the general trave ling public, as well as for tiia more economical ha, Hilling of

goods and produce which now forms so large a feature in the maintenance costs of a.I the roads especially so of tnc main and secondary highways. The extraordinary increase of traffic in motor vehicles is probably a result of the better road surfaces provided by the financial assistance of the Alain Highways Board, without which it would appear the local bodies would not he aide to maintain the standard of road now possible. The assistance given by the Highways Board in regard both to subsidies and the purchase of plant, should ensure all highways being kept in first class order. The help in regard to such special roads, frees more local revenue Tor the district roads generally, and the upshot is that roading generally is hotter. A district such as this, however, calls for more roading to encourage settlement in various parts of the County, and each year should see some attention to this obligation. As regards the general improvement of roads already constructed, the Highways Board is finding large sums in special subsidies to improve the standard of the roads in greatest use. Where the traffic is abnormal the gravel surface road is being superseded with concrete, or various forms of bitumen construction. The reason for this is to assure more permanency combined with more economical maintenance. Some of the roads in this district subjected to constant heavy traffic mi edit bo so treated, and tbe Board might be approached for a special subside to that end. No doubt the Board will be prepared to mete out fair treatment to the district in tbe matter referred to. but the move must needs ho made from within if practical results are to follow. Now that motor traffic is growing as it is. more direct revenue will be accruing from that quarter, through the various forms of taxation, and naturally the users here will expect, as geoil roads as motorists eniov elsewhere’ who nav no more for the privilege. It, is a ease for all to he I 1 '-<1 aR'-e. a>>'l in that treatment the .•'hiri') participate. While menlbviiio this siib'oct. well-earned nra>sn should I,n given for what lias been done. Tin. great improvement, of late in regard to the roads of the district is a matter

for very high appreciation, and all concerned in me results achieved deserve hearty thanks.