SHORT AND SHARP REPLY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 586, 12 February 1929, Page 13

SHORT AND SHARP REPLY

HIGHWAY’S CHAIRMAN IS TERSE

CITY COUNCIL DEPUTATION When the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, and Councillors S. I. Crookes and J. Dempsey waited on the Highways Board yesterday to ask the board to give an increased subsidy to the Whau Bridge, and give financial assistance to the £300,000 city outlets scheme, they received a very poor hearing. “Auckland is doing the least in regard to roads coming into it that 1 can think of in regard to large cities,” remarked the chairman. He pointed out that the cities depended on the areas outside for their prosperity. In some places the cities had almost to maintain the outside highways. “This city has never yet risen to its responsibilities in regard to the roads radiating from it. This city is receiving handsome sums from the share of petrol tax given to boroughs of over 6.000 inhabitants and from the heavy traffic fees. Now Mr. Crookes suggests that we should come into the heart of the city and help to put a bridge across a guly or something. “What advantage is the petrol tax going to be if it is to go to cities instead of going to its proper purpose of providing highways throughout the country. “Your application will go before the board, but you can gather from me that I won't advocate your getting anything.” Mr. Baildon: I can only hope that you will be in a minority. Cr. S. I. Crookes: And that you.-will not forget that Auckland City provided £20,000 toward the road outside its boundary northwards.