UNSYMPATHETIC.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1186, 22 July 1911, Page 3

UNSYMPATHETIC.

-*- . DEPUTATION'S COLD RECEPTION. A largo deputation representing seven ot the local bodies of Marlborough interviewed the Minister for Public AVorks (tho Hon. R. M'Kenzie) yesterday, and asked tho Government for a pound for pound subsidy towards tlio construction ot a new traffic bridge over the Opawa liner in Blenheim. Mr. J. Duncan, M.P., introduced the deputation. Members of the deputation pointed out that the present bridge was nothing less than a disgrace. It was old and quito inadequate. The • district was prepared to rate itself if the Government would help. Tho new bridge would be used, also, for railway purposes, and the Minister for Railways was in sympathy with tho deputation. Tho total costwould be about .ESOOft. Mr. Mackenzie s-aid he did not know how much money Parliament would allow for public work* this year; and, in any ease, one large bridge near Blenheim was already being built. "You nro a .wealthy community," he said, "and there are .a good many of you." However, ho would submit proposals to Cabinet. Mr. Duncan: "I am sorry you can't go further tlinn that." Mr., M'Ke.nzie: "You would havo the wholo lot if.you could get it." Mr. Duncan replied that it would take a good deal to niako up for what they did not get last session. The Minister (■interrupting): "You and 1 have discussed that matter on many occasions, and I don't feel disposed to go into it now." Mr. Duncan replied that he only wished to thank the Minister for all 'he had done, and for promising to bring the matter before Cabinet. Mr. Gane (chairman of the Spring Creek Road Board) asked if the Government engineer could go across to Blent ham, and make an estimate of tho cost of the new bridge. . "' ' The Minister: "I can't promise to do that. Have you not got an engineer of your own?" Mr. Gane: "Yes. But if you will let your engineer come across it will .be very much better and more satisfactory." ' The Minister: "And very" much cheaper for you also."