THE BATON BRIDGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 7 January 1929, Page 3

THE BATON BRIDGE

'To tlie Editor) Sir, —The Baton . bridge to-day was the scene of ;i motor accident, simply through neglect on the part o! members of the. County responsible tor the supervision of .repair, in regard to bridges. This bridge Das been in this dilapidated state of repair for a considerable time and it is or seems to' be only attended to after complaints by ratepayers. 1 understand that the Council undertake to oversee all that is required in tins respect. There is no doubt they do “over see ” a lot. This sort ot thing is not a fair deal to ratepayers, ii compensation is made that amount comes out of the ratepayers, is that not so? And whose fault is it that this work lias not been attended to? Through this neglect it is a wonder to me there was not loss of life to-day. I understand that there were witnesses on the spot when this accident happened, and possibly County members will hear more regarding the matter. The Councillors are not behind the door when our rates become overdue, yet when we have applied for a coat of paint for this bridge in particular the cry has been “We’re short of funds.” It took a lot of battling to get this bridge and without it the County would not be collecting the rates they arc j.o-daV from we ratepayers who use it at the present time. It may not he (jornmon knowledge to Councillors hut this bridge lias not had a coat of paint since it was built twenty-one years ago. Let mo point out to those concerned that the stringers on which the decking is attached are not as sound as one would think without making a close inspection, also the guards approaching the bridge are not safe. I think it may he a lesson to the Waiinea County Council that they will attend to their rotten bridges more expeditiously. Thanking you for your valued space. I am, etc.,

RATEPAYER Wakefield, Ist....Tan.