MAIN ARTERIAL ROADS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 538, 1 February 1913, Page 4

MAIN ARTERIAL ROADS.

GOVERNMENT ACTION URGED. A NATIONAL WORK. The important question of main roads took a prominent place in the Jiscusaion at the conference of backblock local bodies at Ohura on Wednesday,. Major Lusk moved the following remit, standing in his name, on the order paper"That the Government shall forthwith form and metal one arterial road from end to end of each county, not alreadv so provided, and maintain the same whßrever the land passed through by such road is reserved for national purposes—the road to be undertaken as a national work." Speaking on the question the mover strongly urged the necessity of the Government undertaking the construction of the main roads He pointed out that, the local bodies had not a chance of overtaking the necessary work in regard to all roada in their district, and the progress of the country demanded that the main roads should be completed as soon as possible. The arterial roads were jusc as important to the country as wore railways, and they were essentially a national work. Regarding the matter, of finance to undertake the work that could be left to the Government to decide. Whether it should be undertaken out of revenue or by means of loan money was immaterial to the conference. Mr G. Berry and a number of others supported the remit, which was adopted unanimously. HANDING OVER MAIN ROADS. GOVERNMENT AND COUNCIL. A remit from the Kaitieke County Council of main roads was discussed. Mr Ford said it was important t;?nt notice should be given to councils *'of the Government's intention to hand over main roads to county councils. He instanced the case of the main road through Kaitieke county which had been constructed by the Public Works Department when the Main Trunk line was being put through. Much of tho culvert and bridge work on the road had been of a temporary nature. White pine timoer had been used instead of more durable timber, and a considerable portion of tho revenue of the county had to bo utilised in replacing work which should have lasted for many years. Mr Ryan and Major Lusk supported the remit which was cnrrie J.