THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. FRIDYA, JANUARY 19, 1923. ROADS AND MOTORS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4517, 19 January 1923, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. FRIDYA, JANUARY 19, 1923. ROADS AND MOTORS.

The recent, assurance given by the Minister of; Public Works (Hon-. J. G. Coates) that thqre is to be np delay in securing practical results from the Highways Act is very welcome. While large tracts of country are awaiting development a comprehensive system of maintaining and extending main and secondary roads is of the utmost, importance. There is, in point of fact, probably ho work more essential for the. development of the Dominion than road making. Though, hitherto no definite action has’ever, been taken by any Government in power that indicated true recognition of the importance of arterial roads,’ local bodies all ovar the country have for many ye,airs stressed the importance of highways being the subject of Government consideration. At > present, there appears to be a tendency among a fairly considerable section to contend that motor traffic, because it damages roads that wofi’e not. constructed for modern modes of travel, should bear a large proportion of the maintenance charges. On the other hand it can, we think, logically be contended that, old-fashioned roads should be modernised to suit up-to-date vehicles. The undue taxing of modern methods, whether in connection with the motor car or any other industry, must retard progress. It. is to be hoped, therefore, that in recommending the appointment of their representative on the Central Highways Board the motor car owners will exercise the utmost care, and ensure ■that their interests are pro’perly safeguarded. It should be borne in mind that, on bitumen roads or concrete thoroughfares the wear and tear occasioned by motor traffic is far lew than that caused by hc’se-drawn vehicles, and that, therefore, with the construction of roads to suit the traffic the maintenance charges will be less than if motor traffic did not ex 1 - ist When permanent roads come int> existence will horse-drawn vehicles !f they are still in evidence —be more heavily taxed than motor cars because of the fact that they will do more damage to the thoroughfares ’ If not, why tax motor cars because the method of road-making is out of dale ?

The Wellington County Council’s activity in connection with afforestation makes pleasing reading, arid will, it is hoped, lead to many other simi-

lar bodies following in that council’s footsteps. A commencement, has already been made by the Beautifying Society here, but much can still ne done in and around Paeroa that would greatly add to the attractiveness of the town, besides ensuring its development on scenic lines—the object of all modern town planning. It can reasonably be assumed that, many owners of property that will ultimately be cut up for town sections could easily be induced to assist. on the, lines indicated, as any work of this nature will ultimately enhance the value of their property. In addition, many of the leading citizens <>£ Paeroa would no doubt willingly give an assistance in the direction of further beautifying the town, while the citizens as a whole would undoubtedly welcome any efforts’ made by the Beautifying Society to bring about still more beautiful surroundings. The marked improvements effected by the Society’s recent beautifying operations in the vicinity of! the [railway station are a standing monument. to the.enthusiasm of the members.

It is pleasing to note that the Thames County Council has decided that no charge shall be made for conveying the Hospital ambulance over the Kopu ferry. That is a decision that should be heartily endorsed by the ratepayers. Unfortunately, howeve'i’j it is only too obvious tihiat mnay more adjustments will have to be made before the scale of charges, and charges made by special arrangement, can be regarded as equitable by those who are likely to be called upon to “foot the bill.’’. In 'faiqness to the latten - , np unreasonable cut, should be made in the usual charge to benefit a few, or with the object of diverting the traffic, unless the entire ratepaying .area, benefits. Some, of the councillors appear to have just awakened to this fact, anfi, judging by recent developments, no system whereby a flew ratepayers secure a doubtful benefit at the expense of the whole is likely long to continue. An equitable adjustment of the ferry charges will generally be appreciated. Next week a conference of the three local bodies interested will be held, and it is to be hoped that the outcome will be an equitable agreement for the working of the ferry in the best, interests of all concerned.