MOHAKA BRIDGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20527, 10 April 1941, Page 2

MOHAKA BRIDGE

RESTORATION URGED SETTLERS HAVE NO ACCESS CHEAP STRUCTURE (Special to the Herald.'/ WAIROA, this day. A statement that in view of the council’s sound financial position he thought it was time some sort ot structure was provided for the settlers at Mohaka to replace the bridge lost during the flood, was made by Mr. J. O’Grady at the monthly meeting ol the Wairoa County Council yesterday. Mr. O’Grady contended that the council should get on with the restoration of the Mohaka bridge. The chairman, Mr. A. T. Carroll, said that the council 'could have put up a bridge to meet the settlers’ needs for about £I2OO without any trouble. Instead of considering a cost to the council of about £SOOO to £6OOO, the council could have had a bridge erected for about £IOOO or £I2OO. No doubt, he said, the council would not have got any subsidy for the work, but an expensive and elaborate bridge was not required at Mohaka. Mr. W. Tait said that a bridge was urgently needed at Mohaka. “The council is taking rates off the ratepayers, and they have no access and consequently their land cannot have the same value as before the flood,” said Mr. O’Grady. The county clerk, Mr. B. G. Signal! pointed out that before considering the erection of a temporary bridge, the council. .Should make certain that the cost did not come off the estimates for n concrete bridge. Mr. •O’Grady said that it would be better for the council to put up a bridge and never mind the Government subsidy. The chairman said that the first available opportunity would be taken to look into the question.