PUBLIC WORKS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 33, 6 September 1916, Page 7

PUBLIC WORKS.

MINISTER’S STATEMENT RE FINANCE. Per Tress Association Hamilton, September 5. A statement on the position oi public works finances wa-, gi>rn A' the Hon. W. Fraser at Hamilton today, to a large deputation of local body' delegates; The Minister said ins object in touring tine country districts "'as purposely to tell local bodies cxacH> how modi had been authorised, ami how much is still available lor expenditure. Hi made it quite clear at the outset that he was absolutely icstrained from making further authorisations.. The total of unexpended moneys was £398,215, and Parliament had authorised him to spend £390,00(1. Of the latter sum lie had reserved £32,000 specially e. s a hood damage fund, deducting same from £350,000, the total amount of authorities issued. The sum of £24,028 had already been issued as Hood damage grants. There remained £332,000 as the authorities issued for roads ami bridges, and deducting the latter sum from amount available, £358,000, there was a balance of roughly £20,000 yet to be authorised. As at the end of the year there would doubtless l>c a substantial amount of unexpended grants, the £26,000 carried no doubt would be exceeded, but be must bold over this unexpended balance* for the pm" so of equalising the position of scveraF <9 the counties. Mr Fraser pointed out that the money referred to did not include £50,000 from the consolidated fund for the upkeep of main roads. Public bodies must not run away with the idea that the authorities were ad spent; altogether something 1 £26,000 wa.not spent out ot author;ties issued. '1 horeforc there was plenty to come and go on U| “ next six nr eight months. Win;' prepared to make further authorisations, he was ready to consider Use transfer of money already authorise 1 for certain works for expenditure on works of greater urgency or importance.