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improvements, in addition to which local problems brought forward by several local authorities and automobile association representatives were discussed and the Board's general policy outlined. The Board was pleased to renew acquaintances with the local authorities and the motor organizations in their respective localities, and is grateful for their continued good will and co-operation. Elimination of Level Railway-crossings. —It was necessary to suspend the Board's programme during the war years, and shortages of essential material have not allowed any work since the war, but as far as the more urgent works are concerned something will have to be done at an early date. Magnetic Truck. —During the year this machine operated solely in the North Island, clearing main highways, aerodromes, and military camps. The machine is also hired, when requested, to local authorities and private concerns for the same purpose — that is, picking up puncture-producing materials. During the year the weight of these articles picked up on highways was 10,249 lb. (over a distance of 2,341 miles), on defence areas 8,747 lb., and on local-body and private areas 16,698 lb. The average weight of materials picked up on North Island highways for the year has therefore been 4-4 lb. per mile, as compared with the previous year's average of 2-95 lb. per mile. The trailer-type magnet operated solely in the South Island and was engaged on similar work to the North Island machine. The weight of puncture-producing material picked up during the year on main highways was 2,884 lb. (over a distance of 5,836 miles), on defence areas 437 lb., and on local-body and private areas 1,036 lb. The average weight of material picked up on South Island highways for the year has therefore been 0-484 lb., per mile as compared with the previous year's average of 0-867 lb. per mile. Sign-posting. —The amount expended by the Board during the year in subsidizing the erection and maintenance of road signs by the automobile associations of New Zealand was £3,465. Examination for Foremen and Overseers of Road Construction. —The nineteenth examination for Foremen and Overseers of Road Construction was held on 12th December, 1945, when eleven candidates presented themselves for examination. Eight papers on general road construction and maintenance and seven papers on tar-, bituminous-, and concrete-road construction were returned. Five candidates were successful in passing paper No. 1 and five passed paper No. 2. Two candidates passed the full examination, and a further five, who had previously secured a partial pass, completed the examination. The candidate who was successful in one paper only was credited with a partial pass. The Board acknowledges the continued assistance given by the Public Works Department in matters relating to highways administration, and records its appreciation of the valuable service rendered by officers of that Department in carrying out the Board's programme. Signed on behalf of the Main Highways Board : F. Langbein, A.M.1.C.E., Chairman.

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