SWITZERS.

Southland Times, Issue 3626, 5 February 1880, Page 2

SWITZERS.

A deputation from Switzers, introduced by Mr McCaugan, waited on Mr Oliver in reference to having a bridge erected over the Mataura between Riversdale and Switzers. Mr Morris, one of the deputation, said ' that the County Council had bridged the Waikaka, and they hoped the Government would undertake to do the work now asked for. He (Mr Morris) had just seen Mr Rolleston in reference to opening up 20,000 acres in the district, which would-be done very shortly. Such being the case, the settlers about that district would require some \tay by which they could take their produce to market. There waß of course a ford at the present time, but it' was constantly shifting and was at times very dangerous. Mr Oliver asked the deputation if they had applied to the County Council. Mr Morris replied that such a work would scarcely be undertaken by that body. In answer to Mr Oliver, Mr Blair, engineer for the Middle Island, said that tlie cost of such a bridge would be about £4000, or perhaps £5000, Mr Oliver Observed that the construction of bridges was a matter more for County Councils to deal with. It would be for the deputation to consult with, the proper bodies and ascertain what assistance they would be likely to receive from them. Mr Morris said that the County Council had spent a great deal of money already in their district, and they thought it was only fair that the Government should help them. In the eveut of the County Council being prepared to spend a certain amount, he would ask Mr Oliver if he would bb prepared to urge the Government to help them. Mr Oliver said he could not say at present. - It was a matter entirely new to himj If the deputation had made their wants" known last week he (Mr Oliver) would have been prepared to give a decided answer. f , The deputation then Withdrew.