THE PAREMATA BRIDGE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 113, 6 February 1935, Page 8

THE PAREMATA BRIDGE

, So many conflicting issues have been introduced in the discussions on the Paremata Bridge proposal that it is desirable to clarify the situation. This proposition has changed in character from a straightout toll bridge, which the promoters expected would pay for itself, to the larger one of a structure to be paid for out of a special rate on the area to be benefited plus a contribution from the Main Highways Board. It is now contended that either the board should bear the whole cost or that the proposal should revert to the toll bridge. It is essential that this question should be settled on the basis of'fair play all round. On this principle it would seem that those affected by the rating proposal will be called upon to pay a large sum for so small a community, and that they have a claim to be considered. On the other hand, there is no justification whatever for expenditure from the Highways Board on this bridge unless it can be shown that it is to be a link in the construction of a main highway via Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay to a junction with the main north road beyond the Paekakariki 'Hill. This undertaking assumed, it may be further assumed that the road extension north would be a question for the future rather than the present. Hence the Plimmerton people would enjoy in the meantime all the benefits of a direct route to their own district, including an accretion in property values. It seems reasonable, therefore, that they should make some contribution toward the cost of the bridge, especially in view of the fact that public sentiment in this country is definitely opposed to traffic tolls. It would appear, therefore, that a position has been reached where a conference of all the interests concerned might profitably be held. _ The need for a bridge is undeniable, as also is the provision of a main highway that will cut out the long diversion via Pahautanui and the costly climb—costly in time and fuel—over the Paekakariki Hill. The one is complementary to" the other, and the completion of the one will bring the other within lhe region of practical discussion.