EKETAHUNA BRIDGE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11705, 18 December 1923, Page 2

EKETAHUNA BRIDGE

DEPUTATION TO' MINISTER. STATE SUBSIDY GRANTED. The Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister for Public Works), returned a favourable reply yesterday morning to a request by a deputation for a Government grant of £1 for £2 towards the cost of the reconstruction 1 of the Parkville Bridge, near Eketahuna. The deputation, which was introduced by Mr G. R. Sykes, M.P., comprised Messrs W. Simpson (Mayor of Eketahuna), J. B. Oarruthers (chairman, of the Eketahuna County Council), P. Pike (chairman of the Eketahuna Chamber of Commerce), and T. B. Mason, who represented ike Nireaha. and Rongokako Dairy Companies. It was explained that there was already on the Estimates an item of £750, as a contribution towards the work, the total cost of which is estimated at £4OOO, and it was asked that the subsidy he made £1 for £2, the Government’s liability not to exceed £I3OO. Mr Carruthers said that the quesw | tion of replacing bridges was a very serious one in his county, where 107 bridges would require replacing soon at a cost of well into £IOO,OOO. The district had a ibig enough “baby” of its own to carry without having to ]My contributions to other local bodies tor bridge works, such as had been suggested. 'The Parkville Bridge was of great importance, stated Mr Pike, as threequarters of thai dairy produce of the district passed over it on its way to the railway station. Mr Sykes remarked that the people of Eketahuna were pretty heavily rated, but they were not afraid, to rate themselves in order to help the development of their town. The Minister said he was prepared to agree that the subsidy ibe made £1 for £2, on condition that the Crown’s liability did not exceed £IBOO, and that the local bodies interested understood that the increase in the Governments contribution wkmld come 'off their Estimates for next year. “Your action will be very much appreciated in the district,” said Mt Simpson, in thanking Mr Coates. “It always is when one agrees to things,” replied the Minister amidst laughter.