HARBOUR BRIDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 103, 3 May 1935, Page 9

HARBOUR BRIDGE.

RATING AREA SCHEME.

THE NORTHCOTE RESOLUTION

"Due to the activity of a whispering gallery, I Vhave been accused of being opposed to the Auckland harbour bridge," said the Mayor of Northcote, Mr. R. Martin, in an address in the King's Theatre last night. After reviewing past events, Mr. Martin said he had gone to Wellington with a deputation to help out the matter, which was not finalised, by any means. Investigations were being -made by the new Minister of Employment, Mr. Smith, who was considering the proposal, and in the near future hoped to do something towards its advancement. Both Mr. N. S. Davidson, his opponent in the Mayoral contest, and himself were ''in the same boat" regarding the suggestion for a rating area, both having supported the resolution passed a month ago by the Northcote Borough Council. This was as follows: "If legislative authority exists, or is given for such purpose; the council will take such steps as may be necessary to guarantee its proportionate part of the interest and sinking fund on £100,000 (part of the costs of the bridge), provided that such guarantee is only to be called upon in the event of the revenue from the bridge being insufficient to pay all outgoings, and that the guarantee is secured by charges over the revenue from the bridge." Mr. Martin said he had got into some disfavour over this decision. The deputation had. been advised in Wellington that something of this kind would go a loner way towards obtaining assistance. ° A poll would be taken, and the rate would approximate l-5d in the £ over the big rating area, which would include the city and extend to Whangarei. Referring to the candidature of Mr. H. F. VV. Meikle for the Auckland Harbour Board seat, Mr. Martin said th>> Mayor of Devonport was an opponent of the harbour bridge, although be did not believe the Mayor and Borough Council reflected Devonport opinion regarding that project If Mr. Meikle were elected, he might be appointed to represent the Harbour Board on the directorate of the Auckland Harboftr Bridge Company.