THE HARBOUR BRIDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 234, 3 October 1932, Page 6

THE HARBOUR BRIDGE.

With regard to your report of what waj said (by the Mayors of Auckland and Takapuna about the bridge project, it is important that the public should know: (1) The discord you mention shows that there are two conflicting factions on the hoard, and the history ofl the last nine months can prove which of these factions has endeavoured to push the bridge project forward and which has blocked progress. At the meeting attended by Mr. Guiniven, the difference of opinion, unjustly called by him a "donnybrook," was between those who had protested against the inaction of the last eight months and those who were, apparently, quite willing to keep on doing nothing. (2) The shareholders know too much about their own company to entertain any idea that it "cannot carry out its objective," and thus be driven into liquidation. The company can carry out its objective, and will carry it out when the newly-appointed hoard gets to work; but if the local bodies can bv any means help, it will be greatly appreciated. (3) Dorman, Long and Company did not say that they were prepared to build the bridge if the interest' on the capital outlay were guaranteed during the construction period. Anyone making public statements should be sure of liis facts. (4) The company has certainly not "done its best to forward the project." The board has been hindered too much by ignorant criticism and factious opposition. (5) Mr. Guiniven need not fear that the project will be "shelved until every avenue has been thoroughly explored." No "avenue" has yet ibeen "explored" at all. Every attempt to do so by the progressives on the board has been, hitherto, frustrated. It is only fair to let the new board have a chance of arranging the finance before the cry of failure is raised; One cannot fail in an attempt that has never been made. It is strange that notwithstanding the various and continual complaints made by the North Shore Boroughs re the ferry service they have not before this considered a meeting in order to assume control. THOMAS FARRELL.