No plans to take over North Road

The National Roads Board has no plans to take over the control of the North Road, the Minister of Works, Mr. Allen, has told the Te Kao District High School Parent Teacher Association by letter.

Even if the board did so, it did not mean that additional funds would be allocated for improvements to the road, as the board had to meet many other urgent commitments to existing state highways, said Mr. Allen.

“While the maintenance of the road is the responsibility of the controlling authority, which is the Mangonui County Council, it is over to the council to decide the type of plant to keep in its locality for the work, but this is a point which your association could well discuss with the local body.

“The board does understand that this road is difficult to maintain, and for this reason maintenance by the county is subsidised on a very liberal basis. I feel sure that when funds can be made available for further improvements the board will agree to pay the greater part of the costs.

“Funds estimated to be available in the coming financial year have been allocated, and consequently there is no money available for allocations at present.

“The board will be reviewing its financial position when it deals with the estimates in June, and the case of the North Road will be considered again at that time,” wrote Mr. Allen.

The association will meet to consider Mr. Allen’s letter tomorrow afternoon.

— March 12, 1968