The Daily News. SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1920.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1920.

MAIN ARTERIAL ROADS. The discussion which took place at the conference of Chambers of Commerce on Thursday on the subject of main arterial roads, again calls attention to the solution of a problem that has been held in abeyance far too long. According to a recent statement, by the Premier, the difficulty is where to begin. All we can say to that is if the officers of the Public Works Department cannot get over such an absurd "difficulty," it is time to replace them by men who can. Mr. Massey went on to say that one should be able to run a car from Auckland to Wellington, or Auckland to Taranaki without any difficulty, and that meant the bad sections must be tackled. Why, then, did he raise the question of the difficulty where to begin ? He knows perfectly well, just as surely as do. the people, that the first need is the provision of good, durable main arterial roads having a surface fit for motor cars to travel over without undue strain or injury. He admits that good roads do not mean competition with the railways, and that they are good feeders of the railways. How much the more such good roads are necessary where no railways exist can readily be conceived. Being fully aware of this need, and holding the views he has expressed, we venture to remind the that the opportunity he 'possesses of remedying the present defects in the main arterial thoroughfares, is one that justifies prompt and vigorous action. One experience of a journey overland from Taranaki to Auckland by the Premier in mid-winter would suffice for immediate authority to metal and bridge this main artery without delay, and yet for many long years this important link has remained impassable except in the height of summer, and then only with considerable risk, while at times a passage is impossible.' That such a deplorable slate of affairs should have been allowed to continue in spite of persistent protests and appeals is a serious reflection on the present and past Governments, If

Mr. Massey was serious in bis remarks on roading, there should be some hope that the matter may be taken in hand before long. The experience of the past, however, militates against optimism in this direction, but in view of the admissions made, it would be advisable to persist in bringing pressure to bear on the Government until the evil is remedied. The delegates at the Chamber of Commerce Conference passed a resolution requesting the Government to put into operation a scheme such as the Victorian system, or that of the Central Government of the United States, which provides for the construction and maintenance of main arterial roads on a basis of fifty per centum State payment, and six per centum interest on the time payment system for the balance, apportioned among the local bodies interested. It was urged that the adoption of this proposal would be the means of providing occupation for unskilled returned soldiers. It might, but, if so, it would revert practically to the old system of co-operative works which has been generally condemned as unsatisfactory, wasteful, and sluggish. This could be obviated by instituting small contracts, with time limits, on a basis that would yield a fair return for labor, a bonus being given for satisfactory results achieved within the time limit. The Government would still have to find the whole of the cost in the first instance, but that is inevitable. The question of maintenance is a problem that will not be easy to solve. The conference urged that motors and other power driven vehicles should be taxed and the proceeds devoted to improving the main and district roads. This question must certainly be faced without delay, otherwise, in Taranaki at least, license fees will be imposed that will press heavily on those who use motor vehicles. Modern means of road transport require good roads. These are costly to construct, though economical to maintain. The Dominion is now enjoying exceptional prosperity, and will never be in a better position than at present to bear the expense of the work required to make the roads suitable for fast traffic. That the money for the purpose must be borrowed is unquestionable. This money can, and should, be obtained, and its expenditure should be regulated on a sane progressive system, and not in a spasmodic or rule of thumb fashion. The main arterial roads are of prime import and should be the first to be taken.in hand—from Auckland to Wellington and Taranaki to Auckland, the worst portions being the first to be put in hand, so as to permit tlirough traffic all the year round. It is more necessary for the Minister for Public Works to make himself acquainted, by personal observation, with the state of these main roads than it is for members of Parliament to visit Samoa. Th? Premier is seized of the importance of good roads. Resultant ac tion will be heartily welcomed. Tt is action that is needed and not talk.