THE WAITEMATA BRIDGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 136, 30 August 1927, Page 8

THE WAITEMATA BRIDGE

Sir,- — Interest in the Harbour Bridge appears to be on the increase and the time seems opportune to raise one or two points in connection with it. Quite recently we have had a number of proposals and plans dealing with the suggested bridge ranging in estimate from £650,000 to one of nearly £1,250,000. Now, sir, the lower estimates are for a ferro-concrete bridge, while the much higher ones are for steel structures, and though the cost (all other things being equal) is of vital importance, there are other points which are equally important, and I propose to point out two of these to your readers. First, steel versus concrete: It is a well-known fact that steel bridges, after the first few years, rapidly build ufj maintenance costs to an alarming extent, culminating, sooner or later, in the necessity for an entirely new structure. Against this, ferro-concrete, properly built, involves little or no maintenance and actually increases in strength and durability as the years roll on. The other point is:* If we decide on a steel bridge we have to Import from 85 to 90 per cent, of the materia) required from overseas and the money for this will leave Auckland to pay steel-workers in some other country. On the other hand, if ferro- , concrete is used, 90 per cent, of the material can and will be obtained in and around Auckland and the money will circulate in our own city, besides finding employment for Auckland men instead of overseas workers. I submit, sir, these two points should be well considered before coming to a decision. In the matter of locality there seems to be a diversity of opinion, but I, personally, cannot see how the proposal for Shoal Bay can be improved upon as it gives an easy outlet to the North and keeps Devonport well within the city radius, and as Devonport is now, and must ever remain part and parcel of the city, to cut it out would be a fatal move. Then again, if Shoal Bay is declaimed its sale will raise sufficient funds to pay for the building of the bridge. In other words Auckland will have its bridge without its costing the

lair payers one penny piece. Surely, sir, this is a point worthy of consideration. I know various local bodies have been approached with a view to helping in this project and recently the Chamber -of Commerce answered that it had not sufficient data to go upon in order to decide its course. Well, this is easily overcome as those who have submitted proposals will readily supply the data necessary If asked to do so, and though I do not suggest the Chamber of Commerce is “hedging” on this question, I do suggest that the time is ripe for it, and all other constituted local authorities in and around Auckland to make themselves conversant with the proposal and definitely decide what they are going to do about it. The bridge must come and I submit the time is at hand when this all-important matter should be put under way. WILL A. CARTER. Mt. Eden.