MAIN ROADS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1922, Page 5

MAIN ROADS.

BETTER STANDARD WANTED. FINANCING BY TAXES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, June 7. The Minister of Public Works, in opening the conference to discuss ( .the question of main arterial roads, said the works were not of a standard commensurate with the requirements 'of modern transit. He did not think those now controlling them could bring them to a satisfactory standard with the resources at their disposal ; further resources must be tapped, and these must come from the Government tax on rubber tyres, which was specially set aside for main road improvement. Other proposals to increase the funds would be brought forward this session. These funds should be controlled by a Highway Board, which must be largely representative of the Government. As to the finances available, it was not unreasonable to suppose that the revenue, from the tyre-tax would produce £150,000, and vehicles licenses about the same amount. At the present time £250,000 from the Consolidated Fund and Public Works Fund was spent on roads of primary and secondary importance. The sum of £60,000 from the Consolidated Fund was spent on the maintenance of roads at present maintained by the Government and would continue to be spent as at present and not be available for improvements. The balance, approximately £190,000, together with the £300,000 previously mentioned, would be available for main highways. The proceedings are to be held in committee.