MANGERE BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13398, 29 January 1907, Page 4

MANGERE BRIDGE.

Foa some considerable time past the upkeep of the Mangere bridge has been a burden on the borough of Onehunga and the Mangere Road Board. Although the bridge costs a good deal to keep in repair, there is no remunerative endowment to provide money for lie- purpose. When the Minister for Lands i«rived at Onehunga recently lie was driven to the Mao'-i settlement at Mangere by the Mayor of Onehunga (Mr. J. Rowe), and the chairman of the Mangere Road Hoard (Mr. H. R. Mackenzie). These gentlemen suggested the setting apart of this area as a suitable endowment for the maintenance of the bridge, and the Minister noted the proposal. Next a petition was drawn up, and the district was canvassed for signatures, praying that the Government provide an endowment, especially in view of the fact that it will be necessary to replace the bridge at no distant dak-.

As the bridge is getting rather out of condition. Mr. IT. Metcalfe, M.1.C.E., has been requested to make a complete examination' of it. Mr. Metcalfe forwarded a short note to the Council last evening, in which he, stated that the superstructure of the bridge was very much decayed, also at least. Iwo of the spans; while it would be unsafe for loads of over two tons to he taken across. The Mayor said that he had shown the report to the chairman of the Road Board, hut would move, "That a copy be forwarded to the Mangere Load Board at once, and steps be taken to place warning notices at the bridge approaches." This was unanimously agreed upon.