MANGERE BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14069, 24 May 1909, Page 6

MANGERE BRIDGE.

The condition of the Mangere bridge, and the necessity for replacing the present structure, is; at present considerably exercising the residents of Mangere, although little interest is; being taken :in the matter at Onehunga. ; Years ago One • hunga was offered; control of the bridg>, but declined to accept the charge, and the Mangere Road Board is now :> the controlling body, with Onehunga responsible! for a-half share of the cost of maintenance, .whether the latter district likes it or not. In response to representations by the Mangere Board last June, thi ] Onehunga Council decided to ask thi Public Works Department to supply a * .-e----port on the borings, etc. taken in con nection with the , Mangere bridge, ; and the cost of erecting a new structure in .wood, iron, or ferro-concrete. Last September • estimates were received from Messrs. } Rich and Roche, bridge building experts, who recommended a bridge in reinforced concrete with a 19ft roadway, and a 3ft 6in footway, at ' a cost" of £14,754, with a metal-finished- surface, or £15,994 with an asphalt surface. They also supplied a second design for a bridge with a roadway of 22ft, and a 4ft; 6in footway, the cost, with metal surface, to be £16,946, and with asphalt Surface £18,446. After considering the- plans, it was decided to forward them to Mangore Road Board. = ; v , ,i . The Mangere Board met the Council : in conference a couple of weeks later. At this conference; % was,. decided to ) ap- | prove of the suggested structure in reinforced concrete, as detailed in the first plan, and to cost £14,734. ; Coming :to the question of financing . the proposal, the Mayor favoured a land endowment, stating that when the.Minister for Lands visited the district, that gentleman had admitted that the district had a very strong claim on account of, the; large native reserves adjacent. After further discussion it was resolved to invite tho assistance of the member for Mannkau, Mr. F. W. Lang, M.P., and that he be asked to see what assistance the Govern ment would' render. Since that time no- . thing has been "done, owing to the disso-; lution of Parliament, but an effort is to be made to bring matters to, a head next month, when a • public meeting will ■■ ''6 held in, the Mangere Bridge School, and at which the Onehunga" Council: : has agreed to co-operate. ; Mr. J. ,E. Taylor, a resident of Mangere, has a. scheme <> put forward, and this will be considered.