A NATIONAL WORK: LOCAL VIEWPOINT

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 110, 11 May 1934, Page 6

A NATIONAL WORK: LOCAL VIEWPOINT

We are.glad to note that the Mayor of Lower Hult is a strong supporter of the Western Hutt Road as an'alternative highway, and that if there is j any local feeling on the eastern side j against this road west of the river, :he does not share it. On his figures as to the cost, of removal of the old Lower Hutt bridge, and incidental costs, Lower Hutt has a right to be concerned with the effect on its borough finances of this item in the scheme. If the old bridge dropped out of the issue, that Lower Hutt grievance, on Mr, Andrews's showing would disappear. On the other hand' cost of the Western Hutt Road undertaking would be increased, by how much is not clear. As that undertaking is of national importance, and as the alternative highway, if made will be one of the biggest achievements of adversity (or, as it is sometimes called, depression), we hope that it will not be obstructed by any difference arising out of the bridging item. Highway values would be best served by a new bridge north,of the Silverstream railway bridge. Future transport importance will far exceed any difference in cost between a new bridge and a transplanted old bridge. Unfortunately, at the moment costs count. From a regional point of view, a Western Hutt highway would be a solid achievement. But it is one of those achievements that require contributing local bodies to look beyond their own boundaries and to think on community lines. Is their thinking broad enough to steer the Western Hutt work past the few remaining snags?.