Works Justified

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20497, 13 May 1938, Page 9

Works Justified

MODERN METHODS USED TIME AND MONEY SAVED HON. R. SEMPLE AT MORRINSVILLE (Special Reporter) MORRINSVILLE, Friday

In an informative and comprehensive address last evening the Minister of Transport and Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, gave a large audience in Morrinsville an outline of the works carried out by his departments since

the Labour Party took office in 1935. The speaker, who made frequent references to the recent criticisms of the Hon. A. Hamilton, was given an enthusiastic reception. After dealing with the progress that had been achieved by the Public Works Department since 1935, the Minister showed an interesting film as visible proof of the improved methods used on public works to-day. Associated with the Minister on the platform were Mr R. Coulter, M.P. for Waikato, and Mr W. T. Osborne, tlie Mayor of Morrinsville, who welcomed the speaker. "The transport system represents one of the main springs in our economic and industrial life," said the Minister, in opening his address. "Therefore it is an important part of State life. In the last few years it has undergone a complete and revolutionary changeDevelopment of Transport “In my humble opinion the inventive genius of man should not produce maohines for the purpose of enslaving him, but to produce machines to be the slaves of man,” continued the speaker. "Every generation in the past has done something towards developing our marvellous means of travel and in our time it has been shaped into a crystalised form.

“1 have attempted to understand my job in all its aspects and ramifications and one of the reasons why I wish to show you this film to-night is to refute the malicious criticisms that have been levelled against me. You could not actually see the jobs that have been carried out so I am bringing them to you. You are the taxpayers of this country and you have the right to know how*, when and where your money is being spent. “You are told that we are squandering money and that we are going down hill with the brakes off. Now, with this film, you will be able to see that far from squandering money I have saved New Zealand hundreds of thousands of pounds.” Future of Air Transport The Minister stressed the revolutionary changes which had taken place in the world of transport within the life-time of many of those present. One of the effects Of these changes had been keener competition among the industrial nations of the world. He appealed to hi§ hearers to look forward as well as backward, and to realise that in the near future the aeroplane would make motor transport appear as obsolete as motor transport to-day made the horse and trap, the bullock dray and the sledge look out of date. "We should be glad of the advantages that motor transport confers upon us, but it is our task to see that the maximum degree of safety is assured,” said Mr Semple amid applause. He went on to criticise the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, for accusing him of turning the highways into speedways.

“It must be realised that with the great increase in motor traffic roads which were suitable a generation ago are quite unsuitable to-day. Why, this Easter we have had over 30,000 more motor cars on the roads than ever before. We are the second highest motorised people in the world. That demands improved facilities and it is the duty of the Government and no-one else to provide those facilities,” said Mr Semple. Continuing, the Minister said that not only had roads been improved, but better organisation and stricter regulations had enabled the Government to cut down the death rate from road accidents by one-half. This had largely been accomplished by abolishing confusing and conflicting local bylaws and introducing one unified code. “Before that time it was Tafferty rules,' and it was apparently no one authority's business, but we have done away with their 'rafferty rules’," said Mr Semple, amid laughter and applause. Tile speaker went on to describe tlie abolition of the Transport Board for which lie took full responsibility. Maintenance of Roads Dealing with road problems as they affected local bodies, Mr Semple pointed nut that county councils would soon find that fhev could not possibly maintain Hie road's as they were at present. Tile burden would become too heavy and new methods were essential Moreover, he had found hundreds o' farmers without suitable access Therefore he had instructed his en•g’neers in make a complete survey ami a flvo-yi-ar plan had been prepared ami "I found that l there were <10(10 miles of roads to he formed and reformed. Up lo date we have metalled 1000 miles and this will reach 1500 by the end of the year. At this rate no farmer will be left without all-weathei access in 3J years' time. Yet Mi Hamilton says it is too fast and wants to know where the money is to come from." said Mr Semple. amid laughter. After showing Hie film which consisted of four reels depicting Public Works activities in various parts of the Dominion, Mr Semple concluded with an appeal to his listeners lo give

the Government a further mandate at tlie general elections to he held later this year. It was a matter of whether they wished to maintain the present prosperous times or a recession to 1935 conditions. Mr Coulter extended thanks to Mr Semple for his address and to Mr Osborne for the assistance and courtesy which had been accorded every ministerial visit. A motion of thanks and confidence in Mr Semple, as Minister of Public Works, and in the Government, was carried unanimously. The Minister was also accorded musical honours.