MAIN HIGHWAYS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 241, 10 September 1929, Page 2

MAIN HIGHWAYS

BOARD’S PLANS OF WORKS. GREATER THAN PREVIOUSLY. Per Press Association. DANNEVIIIKE, Sept. 9. Reference to the Highways Board’s programme for the current year was made by Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Public Works, to an Evening News reporter. “The Main Highways Board’s plan of works for tho coming year,” lie said, “will bo greater than for any Srevions year in the history of the ominion. At the present time the number of men employed by the Highways Board on construction work is 3600. It is proposed to expend on construction work this year £1,050,000, and it is also proposed to expend over £1,000,000 in maintenance. Altogether, with the assistance of the local bodies, no less than £2,500,000 will be expended. If this year’s programme is carried out, it will mean absorbing the £650,000 now held in reserve. As soon as the works are in full swing in the summer it is hoped that 5000 men will be employed on highways.” Regarding the £200,000 in the Public Works Department, the Minister added that the Main Highways Board would have the right to the use of this money, but, instead of it being free as previously, the board would require to pay interest for it. In view of the Highways Board having a surplus or £650,000, the Government felt that the board was in a better position to pav interest than the Government as the latter had taken over the deficit ot £577,000 from the previous Administration. c