THE NELSON STREET BRIDGE

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 103, 2 May 1908, Page 5

THE NELSON STREET BRIDGE

THE LIABILITY OP THE COUNCIL.

At the meeting of the BorougH Council last evening, the question o£ the state of Nelson Street Bridge, from the view of its safety to footpassengers, came under discussion. The contractor wrote asking the Council to close the bridge for all | traffic after dark, so that people crossing at that time would do so at their, own risk. An extract from the terms jof the contract was given showing j that the contractor was expected to make provision for foot passengers during the erection of the bridge. The Mayor explained that as the j Council was liable for any accident, She had taken the liberty of closing the bridge for traffic altogether. Councillor Carr thought that a safe ■foot crossing should be maintained. (Councillor Ching said there was a1 12-foot bridge for people to cross over, and there was a rope and some rails on the side, and anyone who fell off there must be trying to commit Suicide. He thought that the contractor had done everything he could-: Councillor Macey moved a resolution to the effect that the contractor! be requested to make arrangements so 'as. to allow people to cross ml safety'^ Councillor MeKinley said that he was 1 very well satisfied with the provision that had been made for traffic. Councillor Birch was of the same opinion as Councillor McKinley. He thought that the Council had done the right thing in relieving itself of ail ; responsibility, and it was right that people should know they- crossed the bridge at their own risk. The Mayor said that if Councillor Macey's motion were passed it would again put the burden on the back of the Council. The Town Clerk read an opinion' stating that the Council had power ta close any road (enclosing bridges) for repairs. Councillor White said that if they made the condition that tEe contractor was to provide for the foot traffic across tho bridge, he was their, agent, and if an accident occurred bethought they would be liable. Councillor Carr seconded Councillor Macey's motion. • Councillor Brown proposed that some of the Councillors go down and interview the contractor and then seport to the full Council. • Councillor Carr did not agree with: the idea of barricading the bridge altogether. ,It was all very well for Councillor Ching to laugh, but it was not fair to fence people off from coming into town. Councillor Ching thought the Council should go and see the bridge. The Mayor asked what time next day wo&ld: suit the Councillors. Councillor Macey then withdrew ms motion, and it Was resolved that the Councillors meet at half-past nine this morning and interview the contractor in respect of the matter. As the result; of the.consultation between the Council and the contractor duly heia this morning, it appears that the bridge, so far; as the Council x is concerned, is absolutely, closed to i all traffic (that is they will take no responsibility) and -the contractor will barricade the bridge at night and put lights there. ' ■ . -