NEEDS OF THE NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17151, 3 May 1919, Page 10

NEEDS OF THE NORTH.

ROAD WORK AND BRIDGES.

MINISTER AT WHANGARKI.

[lit rniEGIUI'H.— SI'ECI.U, BEPORTF.I!.]

WHANGAREI, Friday.

On his return to Whangarei from Waipu last evening, the Minister for Public Works, Sir W. Eraser, received a number of deputations. The Mangonui County Council asked for a subsidy on a loan of £54,000 for road improvement work. In reply, the Minister said he could not commit tho Government to a continuous subsidy, but ho promised a £1 for £1 grant fur tlio first year's work, provided tho plans and specifications were approved. A similar promise was made by Sir William Eraser in regard to tho loan ot £6ti,000 of the Ray of Islands County Council. Tho first «'''3 expenditure is estimated at £12,000, including tho Government subsidy. Regarding tho " deputation's request that the erection of tho Paihia wharf should be expedited, Sir William promised that as soon as the Marino Department gave authority tho Public Works Department would push on with tho work. Another deputation urged tho reconstruction of the destroyed bridge connecting Knikoho and Maungakahia, built by consolidated funds and swept away two years ago. The Minister refused to rebuild the bridgo, declaring that his offer of £3000 against £2000 to be shared by Whangarei and Bay of Islands County Councils was tho best bo could do.

Mr. It. Y. Kcrnohan declined to commit die Whangarei Council to expenditure on what was looked upon as a national endowment, while the chairman A the Bay of Islands Council. Mr. Wells, adopted a similar attitude in respect i.{ his council. He added that favourable consideration might be given to a proposed new site entailing a double bridge over the Maungakahia and Awaroa rivers.

Sir William said ho could do nothing further beyond obtaining an estimate for a bridge on the new eit«. Mr. J. .''. Mclnnes, county chairman, asked that the proposed Manaia loan of £9000 bo subsidised by the Government in order to provide a good metalled road from Whangarei to Whangarei Heads. In reply, the Minister said he could not pledge the Minister who came after him to any large sum, but he would give consideration to tho representation made, and if possible- would contribute what was available.

When framing tho Estimates the Minister was asked to provido money for tho erection of two bridges on tho main Kiriixtka Road—Waitanei Bridge £700, and Waterfalls Bridge £900. These bridges should be laid down in concrete, 'n reply tho Minis'er said if the Anility Council would wnd in an application in the usual form the district engineer will prepare a report which would bo laid before him when tho estimates were being prepared.