GORE NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 24757, 30 May 1942, Page 2

GORE NEWS

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC BRIDGE The announcement that the Gore traffic bridge was to be made a oneway structure was referred to by Mr Henry Smith (chairman) at the annual meeting of the Gore Sub-Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday morning. Mr Smith expressed the opinion that the position was going to cause a great amount of difficulty and trouble, and he thought that something should be done to have the bridge strengthened. Mr J. Cowie asked what the position would be in the event of an emergency. He thought that that was a point for consideration. This opinion was supported by Mr A. R. Johnston, who said he was not in favour of the erection of a new bridge at the present time, but that he felt the present structure should be strengthened. It was not in the interests of the public to allow the bridge to be made a one-way bridge. He thought that representations should be made to have something done about it. It was decided that the chairman approach Messrs G. W. Whittingham and F. Trapski, members of the Southland County Council, with a view to waiting on the Gore Borough Council to discuss the position. The congestion that would result from the proposed alteration of the bridge was stressed at a meeting between an engineer of the Main Highways Board and members of the Gore Borough Council, Southland Jounty Council and citizens. It was stated, however, that all the arguments produced at the meeting had already been forwarded to Wellington and the condition of the bridge, together with the technical difficulties, the shortage of man power and materials, left no alternative but to proceed along the lines proposed. It was suggested that if no other course was open, some system of traffic control be inaugurated, together with a diversion of stock along the east side of the river. A recommendation was made that the council should forward this suggestion to the Main Highways Board.