SPANNING THE HARBOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 236, 5 October 1928, Page 5

SPANNING THE HARBOUR.

THE PETITION TO PARLIAMENT ASSOCIATION AWAITING DECISION. The decision as the result of the petition to Parliament for favourable' consideration of the proposal to bridge the Waitemata is being awaited by the Auckland Harbour Bridge Association. At a meeting last evening, the chairman, Mr. Gerald O'Halloran (vice-presi-dent), stated that Messrs. R. H. Greville R. F. Moore, and himself had given lengthy evidence before the Parliamentary Committee. He had been reminded in a letter from Mr. Alex. Harris, M.P., that the proceedings at the committee were sub judice, though it was hoped some information would be available in a few days. Until that decision was known, the chairman explained, it was not intended that the executive should actively pursue its campaign. Much of the future efforts depended on the outcome of the petition to Parliament. The success met with towards the project in all directions was very much greater than he had ever expected. Most encouraging reports of support had come from as distant as the far north, and oh the city side also. Further consideration of policy was deferred for a fortnight, in order to allow time for a reply from the Government, and the nature of the reply to be sent to the Auckland Harbour Board was also held over until the attitude of Parliament was known. The Auckland City Council, replying to the association's communication for sup. port, expressed the opinion that the construction of a bridge is not at present warranted, but that its future construction could be considered as a likely possibility, and provision might be made both on the northern and southern shores for the approaches thereto in any townplanning schemes which may be entered into by the local authorities concerned. It was decided to bring under the notice of the Main Highways Board the great advantage the bridge would confer by considerably shortening the route from the city to the north.