Overhead Bridge Clause Is Stumbling Block

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1939, Page 5

Overhead Bridge Clause Is Stumbling Block

An agreement between the Whangarei County Council and the Railways Department relating to the possible prevision of an overhead bridge was stated to be the stumbling block in the provision 'of a level crossing at Port Whangarei, at the monthly meeting of the Whangarei Harbour Board.

“Before the construction of a level crossing can be put in hand, it will be necessary for the. agreement to be executed by the county council,” stated a letter from the District Engineer of the Railways Department.

' It was asked if there was any likelihood of finality being reached between the board and the council. No variation could be made from the standard agreement.

Clause In Agreement

In all agreements between the department and local bodies affecting level crossings, there was a clause stipulating that the council could be called upon to erect an overhead bridge it required, 'said the chairman, Mr J. A. Finlayson.

As ' Jong as the clause remained in the agreement there was always - a possibility of the council being/called on to build the bridge, said Mr E. L. Whimp. If there was no prospect of the bridge being required, it would clear the position if the clause were wiped out.

Engineer To Confer.

The board’s engineer-secretary. Mr W. M. Fraser, suggested that the engineers of the council and board shoiild confer on the subject.

“This crossing is necessary for the board,” said Mr H. E. Hewlett, in supporting the proposal. , “It is necessary, not for the board, but for its southern tenants,” amended

Mr Finlayson. It was decided to approach the county council asking if it would be willing for.the engineers of the two bodies to confer on the subject to enable the position to be investigated.