The Manawatu Standard PUBLIBHED DAILY.) Survant la verite. SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1883. ROADS AND BRIDGES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 36, 17 March 1883, Page 2

Manawatu Standard PUBLIBHED DAILY.) Sur vant la verite. SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1883. ROADS AND BRIDGES.

The Post explains that the distribution under "Ihe Roads and Bridges Construction Act 1882," will be on one rigidequal seals, pro rata as to the applications. No distinction whatever can be made m this respect. It is not true that one body will receive a fourth, another a third, another a half, and so forth. The rate, whether it be a fraction more or a fraction less than threeeighths, will be absolutely the same m all cages. But there may be considerable apparent differences, because the grants have to be made on a fixed rule supplied by ths Act, and it has to be ascertained m what way the work for which asbistance is sought has to be treated under the provisions of that Act. These may have been complied with m regard to one work and not another, m the same application. It must be plain, however, to anybody who gives a moment's thought to the matter, that unless the rate were the same m all cases no clue could be afforded to the financial arrangements of the applicant body by tbe publication of the amount granted. It is because the rate is the same m every case that publicity is temporarily withheld until a final settlement has been come to. The reticence could only be temporary m any case, because a full detailed report of everything- done under the Act has to be laid before Parliament within 14 days after it meets. This report, which is ordered by section 48 of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, is to include " all matters done under, this Ace/ applications made, granted, o: refused, moneys borrowed, lent, " granted or advanced or refused, or failed to be granted or advanced by the Treasurer, and to what local bodieß and for what purpose."