NAPIER-WAIROA ROAD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17236, 16 April 1930, Page 18

NAPIER-WAIROA ROAD

THE TONGOIO CROSSING I SUBSTITUTION OF BRIDGES The Hawke’s Bay County Council is considering rescinding its previous decision to erect concrete bridges over the three crossings on tlie Napiervvairoa road, close to Tongoio, and on the score of economy to proceed with the erection of only one bridge, the contract lor which lias been let at a price of £2152. Air. S. Palmer proposed a motion to that effect; but agreed eventually to hold it over until a later meeting, so that the engineer, Air. It. Puliett, could inspect the present concrete crossings and make a report as to their condition. Mr. Palmer said it did not seem to him that the three concrete bridges ;\ere essential to the ratepayers, but it was the cry of the outside traffic for something! better. He thought the ratepayers would far sooner have the money spent on metalling. The council's- aim, lie considered, should be to reduce rates, and the only way to do that was to cut down expenditure from the general fund. Mr. F. B. Logan seconded the motion, and considered that the expenditure on the three bridges was unnecessary at present. Air. S. Bennett, however, considered that tlie ratepayers did want the bridges, and asked what was going to happen if the concrete crossings broke up, which they gave signs of doing, cracks having appeared. His suggestion was that Mr. Puflett should furnish a report on the ciossingis before the council came to a decision.

Mr. A, 11. Ferguson pointed out that the two remaining bridges would cost about £2OOO each, and half of the council’s share of tlie cost would have to Ik* home by the Waikari riding, and the other half by tho general fund. Mr. Palmer then agreed to allow his motion to stand over until tho imgipper furnished a report on the condition of the crossings.—Hawke’s Bay Herald.