HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE AT CAMBRIDGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12301, 19 June 1903, Page 3

HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE AT CAMBRIDGE

(FROM ODE OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

A MEETING of the Finance Committee of the Cambridge Borough Council (Messrs. Jas. Ilally and E. J. Wilkinson), Mr. John Fi&her (chairman of the Waipa County Council), and Mr. R. Fisher (chairman of the I'ukekura Road Board), was held in the Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday afternoon to confer with Mr. F. W. Lang, M.H.R., re the proposal to erect a high-level bridge. His Worship the Mayo. (Mr Thos. Wells) was unavoidably absent. Two other gentlemen who had been invited to attend were also unable to be present. It was briefly, explained what steps had already and were now being- taken. Mr. Lang was also furnished with several facts likely to assist him in his request that a sum of £3000 oi £4000 be placed on the Estimates, viz.. the definite promise by two Ministers of the Crown to recommend £ for £ up to, say, £3000; the unanimity shown by the settlers as to the necessity and urgency of the bridge; and the approval of the Government engineer to a steel cantilever bridge. A short discussion ensued as to powers conferred upon local bodies in respect of this matter by the Municipal Corporations Act, 1900. and the Public Work* Act. 1394. There is no doubt about the spirit of the clauses referring to rating, but there is an ambiguity which might prove fatal to their operation. In this connection the advice of Mr. Martin, solicitor to the Municipal Association. Wellington, has been asked for, but. strange to relate, he himself is engaged in litigation relating to tuis very point. lie writes as follows" Mr. Shortt (opposing counsel) holds that all the interested adjacent local bodies must contribute, but. the matter may have to come before the Supremo Court of Appeal. lie (Mr. Martin) was appearing for the City Council, and contended thai only one adjacent district could be assessed. This latter argument, if ultimately successful, would relieve the city from contributing. lie was therefore scarcely in a position to give the Cambridge Council an unbiassed opinion on the section of the Act."

The matter at issue is an important one, and the result of the case, which will be heard next month, will be awaited with interest. If Mr. Martin wins his case an effort will certainly be made to amend the ilaw in the Act.

As regards what the Borough Council (upon whom the taking of initiatory steps; has devolved) is doing approval was expressed, but the matter was considered of such urgency and importance to the district that those present, favoured definite preliminary steps being promptly taken. On the motion of Mr. Wilkinson it was decided to recommend tc the Council as follows:'" That as soon as the Wellington appeal case is decided, if satisfactory tenders shall be called v or forthwith on the lines of the bridge armroved by the Government engineer, viz.. a steel cantilever bridge 396 ft long, 16ft wide, and capable of carrying ,'t any point a weight, of, say, 40 tons; tenders to be returnable within four months, and to be subject to the approval of the New Zealand Government." This was unanimously agreed to. the Messrs. Fisher, however, stating that they were only voicing their private opinion, not having been deputed to attend and vote by their respective local bodies.

On the motion of Mr. J. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Hally, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Lang for attending and listening to their wants.

Mr. Lang, in replvine. said he only trusted the result of the efforts that he would make would have the desired effect of a good round sum being placed on the Estimates.