THE RANGITATA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19640, 7 November 1933, Page 6

THE RANGITATA

PROPOSED NEW BRIDGE MORE INFORMATION WANTED A report from the Transport Committee of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, advocating the conversion of the present Rangitata railway bridge to a light traffic bridge, provoked considerable discussion at the meeting of the Geraldine County Council yesterday, when the matter was held over pending receipt of further information from the Highways Board in regard to the liability in which the county was likely to be involved. The secretary of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce forwarded a copy of the report of the Chamber’s Transport Committee in regard to a traffic bridge over the north branch of the Rangitata River. Councillor Ross Brodie expressed the opinion that the Council should not let it go too long before making its attitude known as the contractor would be starting shortly. A stock bridge was essential, but such a bridge on the railway bridge would be very inconvenient as it would not be possible, under the proposed arrangement, for drivers to head their flocks properly. It was estimated that the stock bridge would cost £3.800, and it would cost £B,OOO to demolish the old railway bridge. Mr F. H. Langbein, of the Highways Board, estimated that it would only cost £IB,OOO to convert the present bridge into a light traffic bridge. There was only one bridge over the Rangitata and extra access would mean the saving of a difference of about 20 miles to residents on the east side of the river, which was well worth considering. He was not advocating a main highway, but to give access to those living east of the railway. All of those to whom he had spoken at Temuka had been in favour of the scheme. The chainnan (Mr K. Mackenzie): But they do not consider who will have to pay for it! Councillor Brodie: The stock bridge will cost £3,800, and the cost of demolishing the present bridge is estimated at £8,000; yet for a further £6,000 a traffic bridge would be available. Who Is To Pay? The Chairman: Will the Highways Board expect the Ashburton and Geraldine Counties to pay for it, just as they usually do? That is the point. Councillor F. R. Flatman: I take it that what Councillor Brodie is after is to have the old bridge decked in lieu of a stock bridge along the new bridge. Councillor Brodie: I want to see a light traffic bridge. Not many want a main highway. Councillor Flatman: I think you are in error there. The Automobile Associations are out to get a main highway right through. Councillor J. M. H. Tripp: If a stock bridge is erected on the new railway bridge it will be the concern of the Ashburton County, and not of the Geraldine County.

Councillor J. C. South remarked that the present railway bridge was good for 50 years or more as a traffic bridge, and he would be sorry to see it come down. If they got the light traffic bridge it would greatly assist the district, as more sheep would be brought to the Geraldine sale. The Council was really in the dark as to what the County would have to pay. Councillor Tripp: Let them put the bridge over; the railway people say we will not be called on to pay.

Councillor Brodie remarked that they must have a stock bridge. He moved that the County Clerk write to the Highways Board stating that the Council was in favour of the present railway bridge being taken over for a light traffic bridge. Councillor Flatman: If we say we are agreeable to the traffic bridge what will be our position if we are asked to support a Main Highways proposal? Will you be in favour of it? Councillor Brodie: No, not so long as the present road continues in good condition. “Thin End of the Wedge.” The Chairman: It will be the thin end of the wedge. As soon as they get a light traffic bridge within a few minutes there will be a demand for a highway. I sympathise to a certain extent with the residents on the east side of the river, but we are here to look after the interests of the County. The road between Waihi and Rangitata would not stand up to the heavy traffic in its present condition. Councillor South: We should stand by the Rangitata ratepayers a certain amount. If the bridge is pulled down it will be a crying shame if no access is given for stock. Councillor Flatman suggested that they should get into private touch with the engineer and the Highways Board to ascertain definitely what the proposals were and how much the Council would be involved*. He did not like the idea of committing the ratepayers to something which might involve the County in heavy expenditure. Councillor Brodie thereupon withdrew his motion, and moved on the lines suggested by Councillor Flatman. The motion, which was seconded by Councillor South, was carried, and it was decided to endeavour to secure the necessary information to place before the next meeting.