MAITAI BBIDGE.

Colonist, Volume XIX, Issue 2248, 23 June 1877, Page 3

MAITAI BBIDGE.

"When it was announced that arrangements were made for erecting a cart bridge over the Maitai, at Bridge-street, out of Provincial funds, there was a feeling that a graceful parting gift was made to the City, whose members in the Council had always displayed great willingness to abstain from pressing local claims against those of the Groldfields or Country districts. JNaturally it was believed that a complete as well as a substantial work would be erected, so that when handed over to the Corporation there would not be any question of payment. From tbe discussion in the Council last night, it seems funds for the purpose have run out, and on the cessation of the Government Agent's duties, there immediately follows a claim for a contribution to .the cost of approaches, without which the bridge cannot be used, indeed it would stand a monument of folly. Wow to promise opening a much needed route for cart traffic, and to finish by demanding that the means of access shall be provided by those to whom the present waa to be made, is not a litt'e irritating, and the Councillors who spoke warmly on the subject will have the approval of their constituents. The maintenance of the bridges is a new charge on the City, which has been accepted in a good spirit, but adding this unlooked for expense is too much for the most patient. Money should certainly be found to complete all works, and the Government ought not to commence their reign by a piece of paltry cheeseparing, for economy it cannot be called.