NEW TAMAKI BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19607, 8 April 1927, Page 12

NEW TAMAKI BRIDGE.

COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSALS. OBJECTION FROM RATEPAYERS. A POLL TO BE ASKED FOR. V Disapproval of the proposals of v the Manukau County Council to build a new bridge across the Taxnakj River and to construct, a stock route was expressed at a meeting of ratepayers in the' East Tamaki Hall last evening. Mr. K. Ross, who presided, explained that ratepayers in the district had formerly expressed dissatisfaction with the proposals, but so far no resolution had been passed. It was not right that the ratepayers should be asked to pay for a bridge when, as had been stated, they were not to be given an opportunity' to express their opinion. When the construction of the bridge was first proposed ratepayers had been of the opinion that they wouJd be given a chance to voice their opinion at a poll. However, it was now apparent that there was some law which allowed the council to put up the bridge without first obtaining the consent oT the ratepayers. Ho said emphasis had been laid on the necessity for a stock route. Ho did not think such a road was necessary when there was the Great [South Road. It had been stated that the stock were destroying the shoulders of the Great South Road, but this could easily be remedied by banking the shoulders. He considered the cost of a new bridge and a stock road which would relieve the Great South Road far too great. He understood other ridings in the county and also town boards which were affected were opposed to the scheme. Mr. G. Kimptori said there would be only a few who would benefit by the bridge. He did not see the need for any stock route. Mr. We have 110 guarantee that stock will be allowed to go through Otahuhu within the near future. Mr. F. Marriner: The fly in the ointment is that the council proposes to raise the money without the consent of the ratepayers. We should object strongly to that. A resolution was carried urging • the Minister of Public Works, when setting up the proposed commission to allocate the cost of the bridge, to arrange for a poll of ratepayers to be taken. It was also decided to point out that the work was not one of great necessity. An association, to be known as the East Tamaki .Ratepayers' Association, was set up to protect the interests of the district. Mr. E. Blake was elected chairman and Mr. E. Jeffs, secretary and treasurer. ATTITUDE OF PAPATOETOE. PROTEST IN A PETITION. » The Papatoetoe Town Board has received a petition from approximately 40 ratepayers in business in Papatoetoe asking that the board, should protest against the erection of the proposed Tamaki Bridge, on the grounds that the bridge will not further the interests of Papatoetoe. A meeting of ratepayers to discuss the matter has been called for April 28. v It is contended the bridge, although 111 a measure beneficial to the Papatoetoe riding of the Manukau County, will not encourage business in Papatoetoe itself. It is stated that if the work is commenced, ratepayers will be asked to contribute 10 per cent, of a total of approximately £26.000.