The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1888. THE ASHBURTON TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1740, 14 January 1888, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1888. THE ASHBURTON TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

Our leaders will have observed upon perusal of the report of the meeting of the County Council, given m our issue of yesterday, that the cost of maintenance of the traffic bridge recently erected across the Asbburton river was the subject of a somewhat lengthy discussion, the upshot of which was the tabling by Mr Holmes of a notice of B-Otion for consideration at next ordinary meeting, to the effect that a toll-gate be erected and tolls levied fcr the use of the bridge. Now, as the bridge was erected at the joint cost of the County and Borough Councils, the citizens, as well as residents m the country, have clearly a right to express their opinion upon Mr Holme's proposal, aad we fancy that that proposal will not meet generally with a very cordial reception. Of course it may be urged m reply that the cost of maimer? ance is greater than the Council is able to defray out of current revenue, but, if so, we confess that we are unable to understand how this can be possible for the structure being a brand new one the item for repairs ought, we should think, to be exceedingly small, We do not forget that not only the cost of repairs is m question but also, the providing against the risk of fire, but as regaids the latter we should certainly bave thought that this might have been effected for a moderate annual premium by way of an ordinary fire policy. Surely it is not intended to levy a toll upon foot passengers, but even if not, and all vehicular,, horse, cattle and sheep traffic ib to be charge^ for, the toll will operate very injuriously to the interests of the B >rough. It will be an appreci* i able item m connection with sheep stot | into Ashburtoo for sale and will be

especially irksome to butchers, bakers, and other tradesmen whose riders or carts cross lbe bridge at least daily and often very much more frequently. If, a toll such as this is to be levied then the Borough has, we think, an equitable claim upon the County for the refund of that portion of the cost of the bridge which was contributed out of municipal funds. One cause of the trouble appears to be the damage done by traction engines | and it is difficult to see how a special I toll is to be levied upon this kind of traffic only, ioi it would manifestly | not pay to keep a toll-keeper all the year round for the mere purpose of > collecting one or two tolls per week, but to charge everybody for the use of the bridge merely because of the damage done by traction engines, or even for the purpose of providing against the contingency of fire, which, as we have pointed out, may be provided for at a very small outlay, would | be so obviously illogical that we feel confident that the Council will reject Mr Holmes' proposal.