THE SUMNER CLIFFS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14659, 7 May 1913, Page 5

THE SUMNER CLIFFS.

QUESTION OF A VIADUCT

THE PRESENT POSITION,

For some weeks past negotiations havo been proceeding between tlie Tramway Board and tlio Sumnor Borough Council with tbo object of deciding •upon some definite means of minimising the danger of the Suniner cliffs, and at different times it has been suggested to construct a causeway and take the roadway out so mo distance from tho foot of the cliffs or to build- only a tramway viaduct. The stago which the negotiations have now reached was explained to a "Press" reporter yesterday morning by Mr H. J. Marriner, Mayor of Siimnor.

Mr Marriner traced what had transpired when the matter was first brought up by the Tramway Board, and ho stated that eventually the Tramway Board suggested that a viaduct should be constructed at a cost of £4140, tho Sunincr Borough Council to pay twothirds of the amount, and tho Tramway Board to contribute the balance. But tho Suinncr Council did not view this proposal with favour, especially as tho construction of a roadway in addition to the viaduct would mean the ex-, pendituro of a further £2000. Tho Council considered tho proposal was unfair and unjust, and after going further into tho matter tho Council suggested that a viaduct and a roadway should bo constructed, and that a commissioner should bo appointed to determino tho division of tho cost between the Tramway Board and tho , Sumner Council." Tho next stage of tho ceodings revealed tho fact that tho~f<> gulatious governing tho Tramway Bojrd would not permit it to raise a loan for such a work- as tho roadway, and that the Board could only, consider the question of providing a viaduct. A conference between the Board and tho Council was next held, and it was agreed to drop tho road proposal and to appoint a commissioner to apportion the expenditure of £4140 for a viaduct between tho Board and tho Council. "That is the Inst step taken," said Mr Marr'ner. "When tho commissioner decides what tho Tramway Board shoul'l contribute and what is tho Sumner Council's share of tho I expenditure it will then be for tho ratepayers of Sumner to say whether they v:ill agrco to the proposal or not. Tho question of constructing a roadway will have to bo decided by the 1 ratepayers at a Inter date."