THE HIGHWAYS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1932, Page 6

THE HIGHWAYS

DEL ERI OR ATI O N ALLEGED. AIO'NEY FOR MAINTENANCE WANTED. WELLINGTON, October 11. ' '“Even in times of economic depressions bridges and roads wear out,” said Mr A. E. Anseli (C., Chalmers), in the House in urging the Government to make available the £650,000 wh ch i!t had originally -set aiside for the maintenance of highways. Discussing tire transfer of £500,000 from the highways po the Consolidated Fund, Mr Anseli "asked whether any real .economy would result. On the best (evidence the Dominion's ro;fds w«r e deteriorating, and unless they were preserved the investment which they itepi'esented •would not be a good one for the Government. During the last fou l ' years the amount contributed towards the maintenance of hqoiliways. both by the Highways Board and bv local bod bo. had .declin-

“The. evidence given so far is that the deterioration of our roads has definitely set in," said Air Anseli. “This is so much so that some "local bodies have been prepared to put up a greater proportion of money to prevent deterioration, but by doing this they are only adding to their own burdens. I hope that the amount of £650,000 .set aside for maintenance will be forthcoming. I trust that the Government will see that this money is-made available for the- Highways 'Board. Bridges and roads wear out in spite of economic depression's. We already have between 200 and 250 bridges that should have been rone we'd in the past, and are now waiting for renewal. I earnestly hope the Government will see that this allocation is duly handed over.”

<>d as follows.' , r * X ear £ poi' mil®. 1929-30 • ’.. ... 228 ' 1930-31 103 : 1931-32 ... ... 92-1932-33 ... ... 74