THE WAITEMATA BRIDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 34, 10 February 1891, Page 2

THE WAITEMATA BRIDGE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Mr Peacocke's scheme is the readiest way of starting this important work ab once. It is quite good enough for our present requirements. It can be done by private enterprise, and be made a source of revenue to the Harbour Board. Nine years ago I got out a plan for a bridge, which was the second attempt to span our harbour, and although our prosperity then seemed to be floating us along the tide that leads to fortune, I certainly had my misgivings when I found that a very large sum musb be raised for bhe purpose, which, by waibing until the southern shore is brought oub bo ibs projecbed limits, may be done in the future at a much less cost The time has not yeb come to agree upon the most suitable site, and although some think Northcobebhe besb, and nine years ago Birkenhead was selected as a point to connect with Ponsonby, I am rather inclined to think that the reef running across towards Kauri Point, which would give a permanent road two-tbirds of the way, may some day be selected as the best position, population pushing westward according to Anglo-Saxon custom. We, in the meantime, can take a lesson from our Brisbane friends on the subject. Twentyseven years ago, when I landed there, three ferries connected the town with the surrounding country, and opened up the road into New South Wales. The central and principal ferry had a large cattle punt capable of Cobbs's coach being driven on to it, with drays, etc.; this was worked by a rope. Besides this three passenger boats were kept constantly running all day, and one for night service. This ferry generally let by tender for £800 per annum, the lessee finding the plant. Although at the time it was established it was thought to be the beat position for the main traffic, a site westward a few years afterwards was selected for the bridge in consequence of population extending in that direction. The proposed steam ferry for the Waifeemata could be made to connect the most convenient points on either side of our harbour best suited to our immediate wants. The Harbour Board might well introduce the work by offering inducements, as the Brisbane people did, and thus drive the first wedge for a future bridge, adding to their income and opening up a fine country, besides helping to establish whab mußt come some day—" a northern city to our harbour." This ie no fancy Suburban Land and Tram, Etc., Company scheme ; it is as legitimate aB

putting on a stage coach to open up a trunk line through a new country. The other day some Australian visitors remarked " whab a splendid country we had and liked coming to Auckland." In a general laugh all round, they jerked out, " but you have got such a rum lob of people, nob businesslike; never will be much of a place until you whip yourselves into shape." Now, as we are hoping that bhe new year will turn the tide, it would be wise to try and handle a simple plan, such as is suggested in the steam ferry. Keep out scheming— there is no harm for a private company undertaking the project, so long as it has no other accompaniment—aridshow our Australian neighbours bhab we have benefibed byourpasb mistakes by practically carrying oub somebhing within our means. -I am, etc., W. F. Hammond. Birkenhead.