THE NEW BRIDGE.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 16138, 1 July 1924, Page 5

THE NEW BRIDGE.

WHY THE DELAY? DISCUSSION IN COUNCIL. RESOLUTION TO GO FORWARD At last evening’s meeting of the Thames Borough Council, after the engineer’s report on the direct road had been read, Cr Hardman brought up the matter of the slow progress of the construction of the new bridge. He said that the Borough’s road had been so far completed that on Wednesday last lorries and carts could have been driven on the bridge with ease. He considered the Department was not pushing the work on as fast as was possible. The Deputy-Mayor, Cr. Miller, thought they should do more in the matter. The bridge, obviously, would take some time to complete. If it had been completed it would have been possible to convey stone over it to make the southern approach, and help the County to finish their road.

Cr Hardman made the remark that the lorries on this side were bringing a load every three minutes, and could do this to help the County end. He moved that the attention of the Public Works Department be drawn to the necessity of expediting the completion of the new bridge.

Cr Miller seconded. Cr Allen: Can’t you make it very strong? Cr Bongard suggested there may be a reason for the delay. If it was pointed out that the bridge was required then, no doubt, the Department would hasten.

Cr Mackay thought the request to carry materials from this side should come from the County, and arrangements should be made to repair damage done to the Borough roads. The Mayor said the remarks that had been made were not fair to the Public Works Department. Had anyone ascertained the position? Would they finish as arranged? The Department might have finished earlier had they been asked to do so. There would be a reason for the delay. The Borough had got their road done according to promise. He was in favour of the resolution, but they should be fair' to everyone else. The six weeks were up on the 9th. inst. The men had worked 48 hours per week, at least, so he was informed.

Cr Bush thought the Department had worked according to its promise. He considered they should take notice of Cr Mackay’s remarks. Cr Miller said he understood that the Public Works Department had stated the bridge would be finished in six weeks, or if required in one month. He thought the Department officials considered they were going fast enough if they kept pace with the County. The Borough Council should point out the need to have the south road constructed from this end as well as the other end.

Cr Allen saicl it had been mentioned that electric lights would be put on and work done day and night. The Mayor remarked that it was for the Borough to point out the need. Cr Alien further said that it did not look like expedition when Saturday, Sunday and Monday in each week went without any work being done. Cr Miller thought the Public Works Department staff should work the full six days. The motion was passed.