THE RAILWAY CROSSING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxix, Issue 7350, 3 December 1907, Page 2

THE RAILWAY CROSSING.

Tiio crossing; at the railway station war, diseased at the Borough Council last evening. Mr T. Ronayne, General Manager oi Railways, wrote stating that all the available funds had already been allocated for. more urgent and important works for the current year, and the Minister regretted, therefore, that he could not see his way to authorise any expenditure in the desired direction at present, but the bridge would bo pub in hand early next financial year. Mr J. D- Gobbe wrote in reference to a paragraph in the Guardian in connection with the railway crossing. He was in favour of a sub-way, being constructed as against a bridge.. He suggested that a monster petition should be got up urging the Department to provide a sub-way, and he offered the assistance of the Political Labour League— a real live body—in obtaining signatures. He thought that, instead of 150, there would be nearer 5000. Cr Nieoll spoke in favour of a subway, but they should bo glad to get what they could, though, as the Minister did not propose to do anything until next -'ear, there might be still further advocacy in the matter. He moved that a reply should be sent to Mr Gobbe, stating that the Council had. a petition signed by 342 persons—not I 150, as stated—strongly urging the Government to construct the sub-way. Nevertheless, the Council would be glad to receive the petition mentioned with 5000 '-"natures.

Cr Stewart seconded the motion Half a loaf was better than no bread.

Cr Thomas considered that a bridge would be a wilful waste of public money. Communication should be either by a. sub-way or not at all. The Government should fine every trespasser, and then we should soon hare the crossing. . Cr Wood spoke against the bridge and in favour of the sub-way.

Cr Friedlander was strongly opposed to either, but if something was to be done, a sub-way was preferable. The people for whom the crossing was being constructed did not require so large an expenditure. Cr Nieoll : It's for the aged and children.

Or Friedlandor said it would not be used by those people. They always walked round in such cases. The Governmenh was squandering money ; £1.500 had been spent commemorative of Dominion Day. How many children had kept their medals ? he asked. Cr Davison was in favour of the subway. When trains were passing, the street crossings were blocked. ,'

Cr Gibson supported tho motion. The Mayor spoke for the sub-way. If Mr Gobbo could get 5000 signatures, 'surely that ought to carry some weight. People should not be allowed to cross the line as they did at present. So far as he could remember, there had been only one case at Court during the last dozen years. He himself was on the Bench, and he did not think that the individual should be punished while there were hundreds of others before agd after him trespassing also. The motion was put and carried. Cr Friedlander moved that a reply bo sent to the Minister to the effect thati the Council was not in favour of a bridge. Cr Stewart thought it better to acknowledge the letter, and wait and see what ,Mr Gobbe was going to do.

Cr Friedlander withdrew his motion

Cr Gibson moved—" That this Council is pleased that means for crossing the line are being provided, but would again bring before the Minister the great advantage of a sub-way over a bridge, especially for the aged and children, and asking him to receive a deputation from the Council."

Cr Nicoll seconded the motion, which was carried.