MANGERE BRIDGE COMMISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 50, 1 March 1922, Page 6

MANGERE BRIDGE COMMISSION.

AGREEMENT ABKTVED AT.

CITY. ONKHUNGA, MANUKATJ BEAR COST.

A large number of representatives of local bodies assembled in the auxiliary Court this morning to attend the commission set up in connection with allocating the cost of repairs and upkeep of Mangere Bridge. Mr. J. W. Poynton, S3L, wan commieeioiier. The following counsel were present: Messrs. A. H. Johnetone (Auckland City), C. Schnauer (Mmulau County Council), Dr. Fitchett (Manurewa Town Board), Mr. Holmden (Onehunga Borough Council). Mr. H. H. Oetler (Otahnhu Borough Council (Mr. T.ogerson (One-tree Hill Board)-, Mr. Fee (Papatoetoe and Papakura Town Boards), and Mr. Ward ("Sewmarket Borough Council). Mr. SchnauCT said be was pleased to be able to report that as a result of a conference the three main bodies interested had agreed to bear the cost entirely in the following proportions: — Manukau County Council 60 per cent, Onekunga Borough Council 25 per cent, and Auckland City Council 15 per cent. That would obviate the need for the other local bodies cited taking any part in the commission. A conference of the engineers of the three bodies had recommended the arrangement just stated, so as to provide for present and future repairs. In regard to future repairs to the surface of the approach to the bridge, these were to be borne by the Manukau County Council t with the exception of any damage done by flood, ] when the cost would be borne by the three local bodies. Mr. Schnauer mentioned that there was a warn of £587 6/5 balance from the construction of the 1 bridge in the hands of the Manukau County Council, against which was a claim by the original engineer of the iridge for about £500, but so far it had not been the subject of legislation. It was suggested his Worship should recommend this to be used towards the cost of repairs. Another point they would like the report to recommend, namely, that power be given to raise the money for repairs to the bridge without taking a vote of the ratepayers.

Mr. ■ Poynton said the repairs were*a work of necessity, and it would be unsafe to afford a possibility of ratepayers rejecting a loan.

Mr. Johnstone said on behalf of Auckland City he confirmed Mr. Schnauer's statement as to the agreement arrived at.

Mr. Poynton said it was very considerate of the three bodies to take up the liability for repairs to the bridge. Tt showed a "spirit ot sweet reasonableness."

Mr. Johnstone: As usual, sir, the "spirit of sweet reasonableness" -was on the part of Auckland City Council. It would save a long and acrimonious sitting of the commission, bat as usual the city pays. (Laughter.)

Mr. Poynton (quoting): It is glorious to have a giant's strength and not to use a giant's strength. Mr. . Poynton asked that the agreement should be duly drawn up so he could append it to his report.

Mr. Holmden said on behalf of Onehunga Borough Council he agreed to the arrangement submitted, but there was still to be considered whether it was a permanent arrangement for all future repairs to the bridge. Mr. Poynton said the matter could always be reviewed by a freeh commission if conditions altered. 'The commission is closed," added Mr. Poynton, "and I thank you gentlemen very much for making the agreement submitted."