THE HARBOUR BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20537, 11 April 1930, Page 13

THE HARBOUR BRIDGE.

REPORT NEARLY READY.

AFFAIRS OF ASSOCIATION. SUPPORT BY MR. COATES. The report of the Harbour Bridge Commission is expected to bo presented to the Government, on May 1, according to an announcement made at the annual meeting of the Auckland Harbour Bridge Association last evening. The date on which the commission's findings will be made public will depend upon a decision of Cabinet. A hopeful view of the commission's findings was taken by speakers at last evening's meeting, although the possibility of an unfavourable decision was not overlooked. The president, Mr. R. H. Groville, who presided, said that in the evont of the commission finding in favour of the bridge and its financial feasibility the association proposed to take immediate steps to have empowering legislation introduced into Parliament during the coming session. Everything would be done to see that the Government did not "sit on the report." The annual report referred with pride to the past year's accomplishments. "The association has the satisfaction of knowing that what was a few years ago considered to bo a highly fantastic, if not impossible, project, is now within the realms of practicability," it declared. "There, is no doubt that during last year more firms and citizens of standing have given the association support than has been the •'ase in the previous years, while the local bodies of Greater Auckland have, shown increased support of the project."

Place of Politics. An announcement that the 111. Hon. J. G. Coates had consented to identify himself with tho harbour bridge project and offer himself for election as a vice-presi-dent. of the association led to a lengthy discussion, several members remarking that if Mr. Coates was asked to join a similar invitation should be extended to the Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. H. E. Holland.

Mr. C. H. Wills, honorary solicitor to the association, supporting a motion that the meeting adjourn until the third week m May, in order to effect an alteration to the rules so as to increase the number of vice-presidents from one to three, said the acquisition of Mr. Coates would be advantageous, for if would mean that 'o some extent at least his party would he associated with the harbour bridge movement. It was known that the United Partv in favour of the bridge, and several Labour supporters were on the association's committee, notably Mr. T. Bloodworth. As far as the Leader of the Labour Party was concerned, it would be necessary to obtain his consent, and tlio speaker's opinion was that. Mr. Holland, being Parliamentary representative of h Westland constituency, would not likely be as interested personally in the bridge project as a resident of Auckland. By the third week in May the commission's report should be out and the meeting would have something urgent to discuss.

"I think politics should bo left out of the affairs of this association," remarked Mr. F. T. Eyre. "There is a lot in what has already been said, that if Mr. Coates is to be appointed, why not Mr. Holland '"

Publication of Report. Mr. A. G. Osborne said that, if there was any possibility of the report of the Royal Commission being released in three weeks there would be every justification for adjourning the meeting, but by no stretch of the imagination could he believe the report would be published by that date. Experience showed that Governments invariably delayed releasing the findings of their commissions for some time after their presentation. The motion to adjourn was lost, notice being given to effect the desired alteration to the rules respecting the number of vice-presidents at a special meeting to be held on the same evening as the next, general meeting. The following officers were elected:— Patrons. Sir Joseph Ward and the Mayors of Auckland and the four North Shore boroughs: president, Mr. R. IT. Greville; vice-president, Mr. G. O'Halloran: committee, Mrs. McLaghlen, Mr A. Harris, M.P., and Messrs T. Bloodworth, A Hop kins, M. Blampied. W. Marks. A. Wilson, P. Billetfc, R. Martin, H. Bell-Booth, F. Charman, J. B. Tonar, G. Large, J. McDonald, W. Parkinson, A. St. Clair Brown, C. W. Johnston, G. Creamer, T. C. Pow, F. W. Griggs, A. G. Osborne, R. Hopkins, W. 11. Murray, C. G. Tisdall and J. A. Robertson; honorary engineeis, Messrs, S. W. Jones, F. Moore, R. Adams and F. E. Powell; honorary treasurer. Captain C. G. Ashdowne; honorary auditor, Mr. F. T. Evre; honorary solicitor, Mr. C. H. Wills.