HARBOUR BRIDGE SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19931, 27 April 1928, Page 14

HARBOUR BRIDGE SCHEME.

ACTIVITY OF ASSOCIATION. PETITION TO PARLIAMENT. The first annual meeting of the Auckland Harbour Bridge Association was held last evening. Mr. E. G. Skeates, Mayor of Birkenhead, presided over an attendance of 50 members.

The hon. secretary, Mr. A. W. Marks, reported that since the incorporation of the association (formerly knowm as the Waitemata Bridge Committee) in February, 208 members had joined. A tally taken during the week ending February 25 last, showed that a total of 5304 vehicles crossed the harbour during that period. The treasurer's report showed receipts totalling £79 19s 9d, and expenditure amounting to £47 0s 9d, leaving a credit balance oi' £32 19s 9d.

Mr. A. Harris, M.P., suggested the association- should ascertain the attitude of the Harbour Board toward tho proposed bridge across the harbour.

The secretary said the board had been communicated with and had replied that it had no funds available for carrying out preliminary borings, which would cost about £SOO. The board had, however, expressed its willingness to receive a deputation when the association was in a position to lay before it definite proposals with the necessary data.

The chairman said it was hoped definite proposals would be sufficiently advanced within a few weeks to enable a deputation to go before tho Harbour Board, and possibly ask it to do the preliminary borings and find a portion of the cost. A member said there were only two members of the Harbour Board in favour of the bridge. Mr. R. H. Greville said the active support of all the 25,000 residents of the North Shore should be the primary aim. Tho chairman said that about 14,000 signatures had been affixed to the petition now being circulated. It was hoped to obtain 20,000 signatures before it was presented to Parliament, The following officers were elected: — President, Mr. E. G. Skeates; vice-pre-sident, Mr. G. O'Halloran; hon. treasurer, Mr. F. Finch; hon. auditor, Mr. P. J. Dawson; hon. engineers, Messrs. •Tones and Adams; hon. solicitor, Mr. R. H. Greville. A committee tf 37 was elected.

The resignation of the hon. secretary. Mr-. Marks, was accepted with expressions of appreciation of his services, the chairman explaining that Mr. Marks' action was the. outcome of the association's decision to appoint a paid secretary.