WAIRAU CREEK BRIDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 132, 5 June 1923, Page 3

WAIRAU CREEK BRIDGE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —At last the Mayor of Takapuna, Mr. Gould, admits that lie has been pulling the strings in endeavouring to compel the Castor Oil Bay Land Company to restore the steps taken down By his council's order and with his own full knowledge. A full statement of the action of the Takapuna Borough Council, and of Mr. Gould, has been published and not denied by him. The bridge was originally only intended to be for a period of five years, which had elapsed when Mr. Gould's officers condemned it as unsafe, and insisted on its removal. As a matter oi fact the company accepted an offer tc re-erect the steps, and paid a deposit. The contractors alleged that the Public Works Department "advised them to have nothing to do with the work. The I contractors refused to carry on the ! work and the company has been unable lon that account to arrange with other J contractors. The Builders' Association I was put forward as the reason why J other contractors' will not undertake ' work which might mean a loss to the I original contractors. Long since the j Castor Oil Bay Company urged the I Public Works Department and the i Marine Department to replace the steps, and carry out the work. Although letters and wires passed, these departments were not prepared to do so. The suggestion made by Mr. Olould that the Minister of Marine would have the work done, and then sue the company, is impertinent. I doubt any Minister making this statment. The company does not require to be sued to meet any lawful obligations. It does desire fair piny, and less wire pulling, and the spectacle of a public man endeavouring to throw blame upon a company, which is attributable to l.is own local body, is not edifying.—l am, I N. R. W. THOMAS.