HARDWOOD OR RIMU

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1935, Page 8

HARDWOOD OR RIMU

MOMONA STREAM BRIDGE. DISCUSSION FURTHER DEFERRED. The Momona Stream bridge, over which there has already been considerable discussion at the Taranaki County Council on the question of whether hardwood or rimu stringers should be used in its construction, was again before the council yesterday without .any progress being made, a motion to rescind a previous resolution being deferred till next meeting. The chairman, Cr. S. Vickers, moved in accordance with notice of motion that the resolution passed approving of the erection of the bridge over the Momona Stream on the Kirihau Road extension provided the three stringers were of hardwood, one of which would be provided by the council, be rescinded. Cr. W. Hall seconded and the chairman was about to put it to the meeting when Cr. Thomas said that he strongly opposed the proposal. A f ew months ago when a bridge was to be built over the Mangatete Stream at Okato under similar circumstances, they had laid it down hard and fast that it was to be built of hardwood. That, he held, was ,a good and safe policy, which the council should abide by. It was lowering the dignity of the council to depart from that now. As representatives of the ratepayers they should be guided by a set policy and not “wobble” all over the place. Why had the council's engineers not been asked to report on the timber? It was stated that the bridge was being built entirely to benefit Mr. Lord, but he thought that the Sash and Door Company was also interested. Mr. Lord had not waited on the council much over the matter but had been content to leave the representations to the Sash and Door Company, thinking no doubt that the company had more influence. Mr. Lord only paid £ll 5s annually in rates, not that that aspect influenced him much, as he was there to hblp the small ratepayer also. After building the bridge the council would have art additional, half mile more road to maintain and the Okato riding was already under heavy expense, having more bridges to maintain than any other riding. The chairman thanked Cr. Thomas for the moderate ■ way in which he had stated his case. The reason the council had not consulted its consulting engineer over the timber was because it was dealing with the Public Works Department engineer. Cr. Thomas said that the resolution had been passed unanimously by the council after careful consideration and the council should consider very seriously before rescinding it. Cr. Wood asked whether the Sash and Door Company had definitely declined the council’s counter offer and was informed that no reply had been received. The chairman said the position had now become so complicated, that he would like to see the books cleared of the resolution. He was almost inclined to say that he did not'care a rap over the matter. However, as no reply had been received from the Sash and Door Company he was quite prepared to defer consideration until next meeting. Cr. Thomas considered that deferring consideration was tantamount to suggesting that the Sash and Door Company should turn down the offer. The chairman said it was possible arrangements might be made to use some of the iron girders for the Te Arei bridge. The rimu might ■be used for repair work. He was prepared to interview the Sash and Door Company. Cr. Thomas thought the Sash and Door Company should come to the council. Cr. Carey said the council should adhere to its policy.