PROPOSED SECOND TOWN BRIDGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 2 September 1908, Page 5

PROPOSED SECOND TOWN BRIDGE

A WANGANUI EAST PROPOSAL

WANGANUI BOROUGH COUNCIL DEPUTATIONISED.

THE GOVERNMENT TO BE WAITED UPON.

A deputation from Wanganui East consisting of the Mayor (Mr J. Jones), and Ore. Burton, Allen, Benefield, and Holloway waited on the Wanganui Borough Council last night with reference to the question of erecting another bridge across the river. The Mayor of Wanganui East laid the facts before the Council, pointing out the advantages to bo gamed by the adoption of such a course.

Cr. Holloway upheld the Mayor's contentions, pointed out how closely connected the two boroughs were, and said it only needed another bridge to ensure the furtherance of progress. An extra bridge would relieve the town of stock driving, and the tramways would benefit, as they could be run across the bridge into Wanganui East. Cr Burton eulogised the project. He said that although he took a great in-1 terest in his own borough, his interest! in Wanganui was as great, as the success of the district depended on Wanganui. Or. , Allen urged the Council to ear nestly consider the advisability of erecting another bridge. Cr. iJeneiield said he had been associated with three attempts in regard to the election of another bridge, and he! hoped the Borough Council would consider the matter. Tho Mayor of Wanganui, in reply to tho deputation, thanked them for bringing the important matter before the Council. He stated that the people! of AVanganui would expect to be taking the lead in regard to bridge. A bridge opposite the Brunswick Line would be of .. jio advantage. Wanganui East would have to be prepared to pay a large sum towards the erection of a bridge. For Aramoho the question was not; so vital as it was for Wanganui East. The Borough\of Wanganui would soon have the river bank protection works in progress, arid the work would be very expensive. This expense, with that for the Town Bridge repairs, would not allow the borough to act very hurriedly. The question of a> new bridge was a national one, and representations should be made to _the Government, • asking them to send an engineer to re-! port on the cost of a bridge and as to the most suitable site.

Cr. Carson said that whatever terms were, come to the bridge would have to bo well in the centre of Wanganui. The Mayor's suggestion that the Govern.ment should be approached was the wisest. ;

The Mayor moved that, at the request of the Wanganui East Borough Council a join deputation of the (Mayors of T the two boroughs should proceed to Wellington and discuss the matter with the Government. Cr. Purser thought the Council was carrying things a little too quickly. The matter had! never been discussed at the Council table before. He thought the body who were going to reap the larger benefits should approach thej Government, ascertain the necessary details, and then confer with a commit-' tee<K3 .■■■-■ ■ - I Or. Carson said he did not agree with Cr v Purser. There was something to be gained in getting an engineer to report, and to ascertain the views of the Government.... ■

Cr. Harknees supported the motion; which, oh • being put to the meeting, was carried.