MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 31, 15 May 1924, Page 3

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

SOUTH AUCKLAND AREA. 100 Miles in Matamata County. Advice was received by the Matamata. County Council from the chairman of the Main Highways Council on Friday that the following were being gazetted main highways in the No. 2 Highways District (South Auckland): — 1- Great South road. 2. Pokeno-Tauranga road. 3. Pipiroa-Coromandel road. 4. Hamilton Paeroa road. 5. Hamilton-Raglan road. 6. Ham il ton-Rotorua road. 7. Waitoa-Taupo road. 8. M a.tamata-Tau ranga road. THE ENGINEER’S PART. These roads total some 400 miles in length, of which about 103 miles are in the Matamata county. The county engineer, Mr. M. E. Fitzgerald, was warmly congratulated and thanked by the council for his efforts in connection with the main highways project. Cr. Stopford said the success attained—and the council had been very successful to secure such a long length of main highways—was undoubtedly due to the engineer. (Applause.) MONEY FOR THE WORK. Cr. S. H. Judd said the question arose as to where the counties were to obtain the money for their share of the cost of capital expenditure on main highways. The ratepayers authorised loans, but the councils had to pay 6 per cent, interest or more on the money, which was difficult to obtain in New Zealand even at that. He thought arrangements should be made to pool the local bodies’ loan requirements and raise one big amount on the London market at the advantageous rate of interest ruling there. It was resolved to urge this phase on the Minister, the Hon. J. G. Coates. Speaking on the main highways question the chairman said the policy to be pursued by the council would have to be considered in the near future. Maybe loan proposals would be put before the ratepayers before the winter was over. This could be discussed at the statutory annual meeting of the council on May 28.