QUAKE DAMAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1929, Page 6

QUAKE DAMAGE

TO COAST ROADS. (By Telegraph-—Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, December 6. Tlie question of the restoration of the roads affected on the West Coast bv the earthquake in June received some attention at the quarterly meeting of the South Island Motor Union to-day. The President, Mr A. E. Ansel 1, M.P., made reference to a statement made some time ago that the Highways Fund was to bear the whole expense of rhe reconditioning of the West Coast roads. The cost of restoration was then estimated at from £250,000' to £500.000. These figures were regarded by motorists with some concern. A resolution protesting against this drain in the Highways Fund was passed at a previous meeting of the union. Mr Ansell stated that he had discussed the matter with the Minister of Public Works during the Parliamentary session, and he had had a question ready to ask him in the House. The Minister had asked Mr Ansel! to delfer the matter in order that he might discuss it with Cabinet. He (Mr Ansell) had complied with the request, and had since been notified hv Mr Ransom that the Cabinet had decided to bear portion of the costs. The actual proportion to be borne by Cabinet had not been decided. Mr Dobson (a Canterbury delegate to the Union), said that a motorist who had recently been through the district affected by the earthquake, had stated that the work of restoration would be comparatively easy. A suggestion was made by Mr Halliday (Otago), that U considerable portion of the cost of restoration should be met by the Consolidated Fund and that the Highways Fund should not be required to provide more than 25 per cent.

Mr Furness (Marlborough) was of opinion that, as the restoration of the West Coast roads was a matter of national importance, a considerable proportion should be met by the Consolidated Fund. It was decided to mention, in a letter to the Minister, that the restoration of the roads was a matter for national consideration.