The Thames Star. SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1913. EDITORIAL. THE HAURAKI PLAINS.

Thames Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 14612, 30 August 1913, Page 4

The Thames Star.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1913. EDITORIAL. THE HAURAKI PLAINS.

Our Mottc ; Fear of None; Favour to None ; Justice to All.

intIDGINHS THE WAIHOU AND

PMKO lUYFjUS.

KO'PU PlSlUtiY (QUESTION.

In wmnwt.io'Ji with the important matter of securingl direct communication between Thames and the Hauraki Plains by means of bridges or fecries we think it incumbent to advise those interested to pay close attention' to developments. It will be rememberedthat a petition was recently presented to the County Council prayjng that a vote- of f|he residents interested 'be taken 0:1 the matters of erection of bridge over the Fiako river at Pipirca and construction of a ferry at Kopu. This request was granted unanimously. We do. not know what ■steps are contemplated, but we would advise tlio.ie concerned in the matter to bestir themselves. The Chairman of the County Council (Mr R.. W. Bagnall) has been to Wellington and has advocated the claims of bridges over the Thames river at Burin and at Fipiroii. The Minister replied that the estimated cost of both ..works would be £20,000, and that at present the Government could not deal with both applications, but would be prepared to assists in the construction of on©. Mir Mkissey did riot indicate which bridge he favoured, but it is evident that the construction of. one of the bridges will have to be postponed indefinitely. Now, it is contended that both bridges are absolutely necessary and so that the whole matter may noti bo hung] up for a considerable period it behoves the settlers interested to take immediate .action to press their requirements before the proper authority. We do not intend to differentiate between any of the local requirements. AM are doubtless urg'entily required. But seeing; that the Kopu ferry question has been before the. local body interested for years, that a. substantial amount was voted for the work, independent expert advice fixed Kopu as- the site, together with the fact that the County Council has now withdrawn all opposition to the selection of Kopu as the site and has granted the prayer of the petitioners—that a vote be taken on the question not of site but of fiananco ■ we think that more prominence should bj !>j veu to this* important work than i« apparently being done.