MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3994, 7 September 1929, Page 3

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

—.. 4 GOVERNMENT'S POLICY. HIGHER GRANT THIS YEAR. While refusing to be dijawn as to his attitude towards the Main Highways Board, the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) stated in the House of Representatives on Thursday night that before any revolutionary change was made the motorists and local bodies would be consulted. He indicated that the grant for highways construction this year would be greater than that made last year. The subject was introduced by Mr. Pi Jones, Reform member for Mid-Canterbury,. who asked the Prime Minister if lie would make a statement as to the Government’s attitude towards the Main Highways Board. The Prime Minister stated that the expenditure undey the Highways Board was carried out irrespective of the Government, which exercised no control—and advisedly so—over the roads. Last year £3,000,000 had been spent on roads in New Zealand. “The board carries out Ihe function which ordinarily would be carried out by the Minister in charge of l the Department. The board carries out its programme quite irrespective of the Govern- ( inent. There can be no doubt that attention will be called to the matter, hilt there is no reason why the board or those associated with it should have any fear as to the amount of money to be provided by the Government this session. It will be more than was provided last session, and as a matter of fact, last year’s was a very heavy sum. If they get as much this year as they got last year they ought to consider themselves very well off. The country can’t go on spending money year in and year out and adding to the enormous expenditure that is going on. Mr. R. Semple (Wellington East): Do you stand by the present system of control by the Highways Board? The Prime Minister: It is fixed by 'Act of Parliament. Mr. Semple: I know, but do you stand for it? The Prime Minister: Well, we have to stand by the law. Mr. Semple: But you can amend the law. The Prime Minister: We have to see that the law is carried out. It is carried out by the Highways Board, and as long as it continues at present the system will go on undisturbed. ' Mr. P. Fraser (Wellington Central) : Would you not. consider the advisability of amending the law? The Prime Minster: I thnk that matter requires very serious consideration. Mr. W. L. Martin (Raglan): So does the board.