PROPOSED NEW BRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18406, 13 August 1931, Page 6

PROPOSED NEW BRIDGE.

A correspondent asserts that a majority of the Hamilton Borough Council is in favour of constructing the proposed new traffic bridge at Whitlora without consulting the ratepayers. It is not proposed, he declares, to raise a loan for the work, but to meet the cost out of general revenue, the payments to be extended over a period. Were it not that we have reason to believe our correspondent is in a position to speak with some knowledge of councillors’ intentions we should, in view of the unequivocal condemnation, voiced during the last election campaign, of the method of procedure adopted in connection with the Anglesea Street cutting, dismiss the allegation as ill-founded. Even as it is we cannot but think that our correspondent is mistaken in liis conclusions. Councillors under present conditions would surely not commit ratepayers to such a large expenditure without first, ascertaining their wisties. A second bridge is probably desirable, but. it, is open to question whether Hie proposed site, is Hie one best suited to Hie borough's requirements, and also whether Hie present is Hie opportune lime to incur Hie expenditure. These are matters in which Hie ratepayers should assuredly have a voice. Councillors no doubt

recognise Illis, and will take due steps Io ascertain their wisties before definite steps are taken. The, State .Ministers have been, and are being, severely criticised for governing by Ordei's-in-Coune.il. In their ease, in some instances such procedure may Im necessary. In local body administration however, it is a principle which can in no wav Ga defended.