COSTS MOUNT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 243, 14 October 1931, Page 10

COSTS MOUNT

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE. TOLL PROBLEM. SYDNEY, October 1. There is a Bridge of Sighs, so why not a Bridge of Controversy? And if there is to be a Bridge of Controversy, what bridge would have a better claim to the title than the Sydney Harbour Bridge, now rapidly approaching completion 1 ? Away in the misty ages it was responsible for many a wordy battle. In fact, opinions as to the nature of the structure varied so much that Government after Government sheltered behind them instead of getting on with the work that was so badly needed. Think of the thousands that would have been saved if the great span was erected when it was first discussed? Now the State finds itself saddled with the huge bill of £9,900,000, compared with the estimate live years ago of £5,570,000. The increased cost is due to a variety of causes, principal among which have been the demands by the various unions for increased and special rates of pay. Tho arguments in this connection have never ceased. It was provided in the contract that any additional cost consequent on additional wage payments should be met, not by tho contractors, but by tho Government, and with Labour in power, the mon almost invariably got their own way. Now, on account of the depression, the residue of 'resumed properties are not realising like tho amount anticipated.

Someone has to meet tho extra cost, and the Government is now trying to decide who. The easiest way out seems to be the imposition of a toll, and everything points to tho toll system being adopted. It will probably be at tho rate of Is a vehicle and lid per train passenger. It is estimated that tho revenue would about equal the interest on tho increased cost of the bill. Of course, the motorists are up in arms, and will light tho toll tooth and nail. It looks as though they will fight a losing battle. For years a special area has been paying a special rate on the bridge, and the ratepayers naturally resent an added burden. One section is in favour of tho toll without any special rate, and another thinks there should be no toll, but an extension of the special rating area. On every proposal there is lack of unanimity. Truly it is a Bridge of Controversy.

Should trams and buses be allowed to run over the bridge? Here again there is a serious divergence of opinion. The Railway Department is meeting threequarters of the cost of tho bridge, and claims that it should have a monopoly. Those people who, in tho ordinary course of their travels to and from the city never use tho trains, think that trams and buses should have the benefit of the quicker means of transit. It will probably be left for the Transport Co-ordination Board to decide the issue, and whatever it decides will cause displeasure. Truly a Bridge of Controversy. And now the churches are up in arms because Easter Week, or Holy Week, has been chosen for tho opening celebrations. There have been protests in the Press and the pulpit against national festivities during the most solemn week in tho church year, and these seem likely to continue indefinitely. The Bridge of Controversy!