PUBLIC WEIGHBRIDGE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVI, Issue 216, 11 September 1912, Page 3

PUBLIC WEIGHBRIDGE.

I ATTITUDE OF AWATERE COUNTY j

COUNCIL

I Messrs P. Meehan and C. Ferguson ; represented the Farmers' Union as a deputation to the Awate'r© County . Council yesterday seeking for monetary assistance for the institution of a public weighbridge in Blenheim.

; Previously to the arrival of the deputation, a. letter was read from tho Farmers' Union relative to the ques- : iion, and asking for the Board's as- ; sistance in the matter.

i The Chairman considered that the \ erection of such a bridge would be of ' no benefit to the Awatere district, as all the produce went away by train. ! This view was concurred in by the ; other members, and it was decided ', that the Farmers' Union be informed i that the Council could not see its way clear to contribute to the project. This motion was passed without know- •. ledge of the contemplated ■representai tions of the deputation.

i Upon arrival of the deputation i the chiairman explained the position, i but stated that he was wiljing to hear i their representations, and if circuni- : stances permitted they could reverse i their decision. . ■ . •

Mr Meehan dwelt upon the necessity that had long existed for a, weighbridge, and the willingness of other local bodies to render pecuniary .assistance. As to the general utility of the bridge there was not the least doubt, and in supplying a long-felt

; want a great benefit would be con- | ferred on th^ farniing community j generally. In seeking the financial { assistance of the local bodies they i were going indirectly to the ratei payers, who would receive the bene- | fitS. ' s .V ■ . ! Mr Ferguson spoke in a similar strain, and stated that by erecting such a bridge they would be'\safeguarding the interests of their ratepayers. . . '

In reply to Mr Weld, Mr Meehan stated that the merchants were apathetic towards the movement. Mr Mcßae said that they had no grounds to alter their decision, as he was of opinion that no benefit would accrue to the district.

This view was held by the other members, and no further action was taken.