The Daily News FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1921. PUBLIC WORKS POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 October 1921, Page 4

The Daily News FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1921. PUBLIC WORKS POLICY.

According to a recent statement made by the Minister for Public Works (Hon. J. G. Coates), the funds available will not allow of the continuance of works at the present rate. The Minister laid down the principle that hydro-electric works must be so arranged that they can be carried right through to- completion, and must be taken in the order of urgency. Not the slightest exception can be taken to such obviously sound principles, but presumably they only apply to- works undertaken by the Government, and have no reference to undertakings by public bodies. In effect the policy is very much the same as it always has been—a little spurt and then taihoa. It was, said the Minister, sound policy to hasten the completion of works “that would not begin to give a return for the expenditure until they were completed” —also sound in theory—but it will be noted that this principle permits of two ends of a line being constructed so that they may each be able to begin to give a return for expenditure, while the middle portion is left severely alone, as is the case of the Stratford trunk line. In pursuance of this principle it might be asked why its operation is suspended in the case of the Opunake—-Te Roti line. Another reform in methods was referred to by Mr. Coates, namely, invoking the assistance of the Agricultural Department to advise as to the probable earning power of new lines as a guide to their importance. It will readily be understood that this proposal can be of service to the Public Works Department, especially in justifying delays, though if it leads to expedition it would be welcome. The Minister has an inexhaustible supply of principles wherewith to meet demands for works. Probably the public would prefer more work carried out and less theory advanced. That the lack of finance is hampering the department is recognised, and the constant parade of principle without any sign of progress is becoming not. only monotonous, but irritating. Money will have to be borrowed for public works, and the question i<s how much it' would be justifiable to spend each year for the next decade. A systematic schedule is what is required, accompanied by an estimate of cost and the time of construction. On one point there will be a consensus of approval. “The department must have good men (and appliances), and every man pnst pull his weight.”