THE HARBOUR BRIDGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22851, 5 October 1937, Page 13

THE HARBOUR BRIDGE

Sir, —How much longer is the harbour bridge to be delayed? That it is a necessity there can bo no question. On a recent crossing there was a strong westerly wind blowing, and six cars were! packed on the weather side of the boat. Four of them, my own included, were drenched with spray. As a result of the salt water drenching, I had to take the car straight into a garage and have it washed. Oil another occasion I had to have the mudguard repaired and touched up, which all means loss of time. If the Government does not wish to proceed with the bridge let a private company get on with the job. The objection raised to the toll system is all rubbish. The present means of transport across the harbour is in the hands of a private company and printed on the ticket for one to read is the enlightening information that fourpence is paid as toll to the Auckland Harbour Board. The Sydney bridge is a big success under the toll system, and users of a harbour bridge here would be quite willing to pay for the privilege of using it. Also, it would be the users who would pay, and not the non-users. Speaking of the toll system, the excellent roads of Taranaki were made possible in this way, and to-day they are free to everyone. One extra boat will make no difference in the summer. How much longer is this necessary traffic link with the other side of the harbour to be side-stepped and allowed to be dropped? The present system is inadequate, inconvenient and inefficient. P. H. Dawson.