MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3713, 5 November 1927, Page 2

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

AN AMENDING BILL. A Bill amending in several respects the Main Higlnvays Act Avas introduced in the House of Representatives on Thursday by Gov-ernor-General’s Message and read a first time. Authority is given for the cost of experimental Avork in connection Avith the construction or maintenance of main higlnvays to be paid out of the Revenue Fund. There is also provision for moneys transferred from the Revenue Fund to the Construction Fund to be repaid to the Revenue Fund.

Where a local authority fails to exercise poAvers .delegate to it by the Main Higlnvays Board or to exercise such poAA’ers to the board’s satisfaction, the board may withhold payment to the local body concerned of moneys required for the construction or maintenance of a main higlnvay in respect of Avhich power has been delegated to the local body by the board.

The provisions in regard to the payment of subsdies to borough councils are supplemented by a condition that- the rate of subsidy prescribed in the Act may be exceeded if, in the opinion of the board, an insufficient contribution toAvards the maintenance and repair of a street is provided by the ordinary rate of subsidy. .A further clause authorises local boides, subject to certain conditions, to borroAV money towards the cost of reconstructing a bridge forming part of a main highway, Avithout taking a poll of the ratepayers.