SUBURBAN WORKS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10616, 15 June 1920, Page 4

SUBURBAN WORKS

ISVSPROVINO THE ROADS" MORE FUNDS REQUIRED FOR OPERATIONS. Some idea of the future works contemplated and at present under consideration by the City Council's outlying districts committee was yesterday supplied to a "New Zealand Times" reporter by the chairman of the committee, Mr Len. McKenzie. "The Wellington City Council is often twitted with having no initiative," remarked Councillor McKenzie, "but as the outlying districts committee has to consider most of the proposals made, as these originally came under its jurisdiction, it is difficult to see why pooiple make such charges. The main thing that the committee and the rouncil are tip against is the lack or sufficient- funds to force matters of necessity along, and although much has been done cut of revenue it can never be expected that- revenue will produce the results looked for by the various ratepayers' associations and individuals in the outlying parts of the city. Without question, the Mayor, the council, aijd the municipal officers themselves are most anxious to do whatever can be done, and they are now waiting to include some very important works in the loan proposals. Already we have taken time- by the forelock, "and the council have decided to widen the road on the forephore at Island Bay so that it will enable the frontage there to remain an asset to that district for all future purposes. The committee, working on the same lines, has purchased adjoining ground which will make a rest park, and in a very little time, the aspect will luwe taken av complete change for the bettor and he a tremendous asset —ono of the host this side of the line, without question. "Tlhe chief work now exercising the outlying districts committee is that- which is likely to, serve the most useful purposes—the improvement of the arterial roads throughout all districts: Already the committee have started a new road to Vogcltown, and although the progress'of the work is not as rapid as one might .wish, still we are doinsc wonders when one realises it is all being; done out of revenue instead of out of loan moneys. We also have under review a road into the new Onslow district, Letter road and tram access.to Kaxori, and roads relieving Roseneath and Melrose. These wilt 'oil be laid down with duo ronsideration for their.future use for tramway traffic. It must be understood that they are hig works which should have been performed years ago, nnd now lyo haWe unfortunately also to rectify the mistakes of the people that have gone before us. It is unfair to load the revenue of the city up with such works, and there is only ono way to take it, and that is for the ratepayers to sanction the loan when the council puts'-it before them; otherwise these things will onlv ha-vo to be done piecemeal, and it will take a rerv much longer period to carry them out. There a-ro many other minor works we hare under review, hut we are directing our attention mainly to the principal features. ■ "I think it must he admitted," concluded Mr McKenzie, "that the city showed great foresight when it secured all the foreshore right from Clyda Quay to Happy Valley., which we aro glad to say now rests for good and nil in the hands of tha municipal authorities.''. ""