THAMES BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17776, 9 May 1921, Page 6

THAMES BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

SITES FOR NEW BRIDGES.

AGREEMENTS BEACHED. [BY TELEGBAPH. —OWX CORBESPOKDEXT.] THAMES. Sunday.

At the first meeting of the newlyelected Borough Council, the Mayor, Mr. E. N. Miller, presided. Regarding the proposed construction of a permanent main bridge over the Waihou River, ;it was decided to confirm the provisional agreement between the three local bodies interested, namely, the Thames Borough and County Councils and the Hauraki Plains County Council. They agreed to adopt the Kirikiri site as the most suitable for a main traffic brige connecting the Hauraki Plains with the Thames side of the river. They had recommended that the Hauraki Plains County Council should be the controlling authority, and as such should apply to the Government for a warrant authorising the construction of the bridtre at the Kirikiri site. This recommendation has been finally confirmed by the Thames Borough and County Councils, and only requires confirmation by the Hauraki Plains Council. A final decision has also been reached between the Thames Borough and County Councils, with regard to the change of the site for the main traffic bridge over the Kauaeranga River. The old bridge at Parawai is in a very dilapidated condition, and would not 'be safe for traffic much longer. The renewal of the structure has been -under consideration for some time and a Government subsidy of £ for £ has been promised. It has, however, now been decided between the local bodies to construct a new bridge on a more direct route, connecting the town with the Thames Valley and up country districts, and i n continuation of Pollen Street in a direct line to the main, country road near the Parawai railw&y station. It will shorten the distance between these two points considerably. The consent cf the Government to the change has been obtained. The cost of the proposed new bridge is estimated at £12,000.