THE VALUE OF GOOD ROADS.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 213, 1 September 1893, Page 3

THE VALUE OF GOOD ROADS.

The modern highway system dates from the time of Mac Adam and Telford. These distinguished engineers were born in Scotland, the former in 1756, the latter in 1757. Their laboaars began some years after Watt had invented and introduced the steam engine and Arkwright spinning by rollers,

these inventions having been patented in 1769 ; and England’s commercial supremacy may be traced in no small degree to the labors of these four great pioneers in industry. The condition of roads in England 150 years ago was such that, as Macaulay says, it was no uncommon thing for the fruits of the earth to rot in one place when a score of miles away people were suffering from a scarcity of the very food which was spoiling almost within their reach. The roads were so wretched that the food could not be transported. English roads were, generally speaking, extremely bad, and it was not until early in the 19th century, through the labours and skill of Mac Adam and Telford, that the improved system of highways was introduced. Dickens says, ‘ Our shops, our horses’ legs, our boots, our hearts, have all been benefited by the introduction of MacAdam.’ There is one thing that is not sufficiently understood in regard to good roads, and that is the power they have to attract population, and thus increase the value of real estate. France spends $15,000,000 on her highways and has 120,000 miles of improved highways, and yet France is discussing better roads, and in Paris alone a system is advertised which will save in the wear of vehicles only $1,000,000 a year. Think of this you men of this little state. England has become awakened to the importance of improved highways, and a commission is in existence, a member of which is a member of parliament. Loans are made by the government to local committees for road improvements at the rate of 3 per cent., and good work is being done under it.