THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1919. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 6 October 1919, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1919. EDITORIAL NOTES.

A Roads Bill Probable. The importance attached to the conIstruction of better roads —especially on main arterial lines—has been amply i demonstrated during the past few inonths. Conference after conference has discussed the matter at length, deputations have waited on Ministers of the Crown, and a Bill has even bien introduced in Parliament (the Country Hoads Bill) by Mr Seddon, the member for .Westland. Opinion is unanimous that the time has come when some definite, clearly-cut policy shall be laid down in regard to the construction and upkeep of better roads, to cope with the enormously increased traffic, and more particularly motor traffic. It was fully understood that Mr Seddon’s Bill had practically no hope of being passed this session, but the hearty approval with which the measure was received showed the strong feeling in the House and in the couhtry in favour of legislation on this subject. That the publicity given to the question on this and many other occasions has impressed itself on the Government ‘ may be gauged from the reply given hy the Prime Minister to a deputation from the Good Roads Association, which waited on him on Saturday. Mr Massey said there was a great demand, very naturally and properly, for good roads, and he could say that fee did not know of anything New Zealand was so much behind in, compared with other countries, as road construction. He reminded them, however, thart vht matter was one' largely of pounds, shillings and pence, and there was a limit to the amount they e-suld borrow, and to the taxing capacity of the country. He stated that he proposed to take j the matter in hand before the House { rose, and if he could learn sufficient ' from the Victorian Act to enable him to legislate in the right direction he would do so. The laying down and upkeep of good roads would be taken in hand earnestly and rigorously as * opportunity offered, he said- There is j reason for hope from the tenor of the [ Prime Minister’s remarks. If we may j judge by remarks passed during the debate on Mr Seffiloa’s County Roads Bill, which was based largely on the working of the Victorian scheme, this ‘cheme should suit admirably for this country, and a careful study of the matter should result in the Governmeat ,

taking' up the matter right away, in time to enable them to introduce legislation even this short session. Tho matter is one of such urgency and importance that Parliament might well spare time to discuss such a measure.

Timber and Sand Dunes. Mr W. H. Field, member for this district, deserves credit for the persistency of his efforts to save the enormous waste that is continually goiug on through drifting sand from the sand dunes all along this coast, and at the same time to turn the land to profitable use. Mr Field recently asked the Minister in charge of State Forests whether, in view of the fast diminishing supply of white pine timber for butter boxes, tallow casks and other purposes, and in compliance with the strongly expressed desire of - local bodies, dairy farmers, and others located on the West Coast of the North Island, he would, without further delay, -take such steps as would ensure the establishment of large plantations of pinus radiata and other suitable trees, on the waste coastal sandy lands fronting the South Taranaki Bight, thus accomplishing the fourfold purpose of prevention of sand drift, the abundant future supply of suitable timber, the provision of shelter for the more fertile -lauds from the prevailing sea winds, and the absorption of surplus labour in a work of great national importance. The Prime Minister replied that most of the sand dune areas on the shores of the South Taranaki Bight aro national endowment lands, which are leased to Europeans who hold adjoining lands. As at the present time there is no authority whereby national endowment lands can be proclaimed State forests, these runs cannot bo resumed .for forestry purposes. Towards the southern end of the Bight there is a considerable extent of Native owned sand dunes, but from enquires made before the war it was found that the price required for this land was excessive. Negotiations are at present being continued with the owner of a private sand dune area between Wanganui and Paekaknriki, and if the price required for the land be satisfactory it mhy be purchased and afforested. This answer is not altogether satisfactory, and wc hope Mr Field will continue to worry the authorities until he gets something more definite. The longer this matter is left over the more damage will be .dene by drifting sands, and the greater "will be the cost of dealing with it. Had Mr Field’s advice been acted on years ago, thousands of acres could have been purchased at a trifling cost which, to-day, have doubled and trebled their value. The proposals in Mr Field’s question arc sound and businesslike, and pressure should be continued uutil the Government adopts a progressive policy with respect to the matter.