King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6, 1912 ROADS AND RAILWAYS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 515, 6 November 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6, 1912 ROADS AND RAILWAYS.

Few people in this district will cavil at the decision of the Minister for Public Works in giving precedence to roads over railways in the public works policy of the country. Not only is the decision sound in principle, but, in addition, the state of the financial markot at the present time decrees that caution shall be exercised in administering the funds. The further reason that it is necessary for the new Government to master the details of th<> work with which it is confronted t before continuing the large expenditure for railways entered into by the previous Government, no doubt also weighs considerably in determining the Ministerial attitude. Ab a matter of policy the fact that roads constitute the first essential to successful settlement ia becoming morn clearly recognised, and it seems as though an earnest effort is to- be made to carry such policy into effect. Railways occupy the position of the main roads of a country, but in order to successfully fulfil their mihison they must be fed at all points by a system of roads from the various back country districts. When the trallic from any district grows beyond the reasonable carrying capacity of its roads the interests of the district, and of the country at large, demand that further facilities shall be provided. In this connection it is interesting to note that the M miser for Public Works has decided leanings in favour of light railways whore the country is suitable. However, the suggestions hitherto thrown out are merely tentative, and the Ministerial policy in that direction will doubtless bo much influenced by the personal inspection of the various districts, which the Hon. Mr Praser intends to make in the near future. While on the subject it would be as well for King Country residents to prepare for the Minister's next visit to the district. Thcro is still much to be said on the various problems of the district. The reading of the settled native hinds is a question which is daily assuming greater im-

portance, and on thin qucsiton alone it behoves our public, men to organise with a view to remodying a' J position which bids fair to hamper progress considerably.