Paremata Road Bridge

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 200, 21 May 1931, Page 11

Paremata Road Bridge

Sir, —Some twelve months ago a conference of local bodies was called for the purpose of finding ways and means of proceeding with the above work. There was a possibility of the Government undertaking the work providing the local bodies would agree upon a contribution. However, no more has been heard of the matter, and the only conclusion to be arrived at is that nobody wanted anything to do with the job. There is no reason to drag local bodies into this matter; it is, in my opinion, a work that can be undertaken by the Government as a relief work, and the cost be recoverable from those who will benefit —the people who use the new bridge and highway. There is no argument against my proposal that a toll be collected on the bridge, as the road user will save money by the shortened route. This is another w’ork that will be of economic value to the West Coast business people and others. _ Sections 159 and 160 of the Counties Act provide the authority for local bodies to erect toll bridges, and, I consider, that advantage should have been taken of this provision long ago. There is every reason why the Government, or the Main Highways Board, should provide the money, as when completed it will repay, over a term of years, the expenditure involved, I know the day for toll-gates is past, but this will not be compulsory, as the road user can makd his choice as to which route he will travel by. There is np ■doubt as to which road the motorists will use. The Main Highways Board has been, and is at the present time, making deviations all over the Dominion: why not put this work in hand?—l am, etC “ ’ ' E. WINDLEY. Porirua, May 18.