BRIDGING THE PIAKO.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 242, 12 October 1929, Page 19

BRIDGING THE PIAKO.

COUNTY COUNCIL UNDECIDED. MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS REJECTED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) THAMES, this day. There was a long discussion at a meeting of the Hauraki Plains County Council on a proposal to build a bridge at Pipiroa over the Piako River, on the main highway. '

The Public Works Department wrote asking whether, if the Highways Board agreed to proceed with the work, the council would liud its contribution. The chairman, Mr. C. W. Harris, said the estimate was £16,000. There would be a subsidy of £2 for £1. The county would find £5000, and if that were spread over the whole county it would be au infinitesimal charge. He suggested that tl:o profits from the present ferry be put aside, and the council could then build the bridge without a special rate. Mr. Madgwick thought the Main Highways' Board should be asked for a free grant. . • ..Mr. Parfitt estimated next year's profits on the ferry at £1000. He moved, "That' this council "'agrees to find its quota for the construction of the Pipiroa Bridge, provided the subsidy is not less than £2 for £1. That this council's share be found out of the general account, and be spread over three years. That the treasurer be instructed to conserve such sums as can conveniently be set aside to meet the liability upon its completion. That the same procedure be adopted in regard to the construction of the Ngarua Bridge after the completion of the Pipiroa Bridge." Mr. Hale, in seconding, said: the traffic was increasing to such an extent that two men would soon be needed on the ferrv. It was a. national link, ana it was only a matter of time,-when the users would'challenge the council's right to make a profit. Mr. Mayji moved, as an amendment, "That the Main Highways Board and Public Works Department be asked if in their opinion the Pipiroa bridge is necessary, and if they intend to go on with it. "and that the" Public Works Department be asked for an estimate of the cost if they consider it necessary." . This was" lost, and Mr. Madgwick then moved, "That considering the state oi the finances of the county at this time the council considers the construction of the Pipiroa Bridge is not necessary. This amendment also was lost and finally the motion was put, and lost, by five votes to four.