THE INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1919, Page 5

THE INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The question of the general improvement of arterial roads was brought before the Industries Committee yesterday by Mr. H. Wynyard, representing the Good Eoads Association, who, urged the adoption of the Victorian system of constructing main roads. Under this, the cost of construction is borne by the local bodies, in proportion to the benefits received and the maintenance shared equally by the Government and the local bodies, general supervision being undertaken by the County Roads Board. Mr. Wynyard said that he was sure motorists would be willing to pay any reasonable licensing fee. Mr. G. W. Hutchison, secretary of the Automobile Association, said that the association was not advocating improvements for the benefit of motorists only, but for all traffic.

Mr. J. Blair, representing the Rodney County Chamber of Commerce, advocated the Government taking over main roads and putting them in order. The need for State encouragement and assistance of the engineering industry was emphasised by Mr. J. S. Dawes, of the Twigg Engineering Company. A conference should he held, at which the Government, workers, and employers chould be represented to consider trade conditions. Mr. D. D. Jenkins drew attention to the importance of securing supplies of basic slag, and advocated the extension of the hydro-electric scheme to the North, also the development of agricultural research work.

Mr. T. Dawson Smith, representing the Vinegrowers' Association, urged the removal of the wine industry from the sphere of the Prohibitionist. The industry had been established and fostered by the Government twenty years ago and the intention was then to make it a national industry, irresponsive of Prohibition. The Government should facilitate the making of New Zealand wines, and should ensure that wine was kept three years before sale in order to attain to high grade.