KOPURIKI BRIDGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 10, 30 September 1942, Page 5

KOPURIKI BRIDGE

REBUILDING SCHEME URGENT

P.W.D. ADVISE NO GRANT

The continued delay in connection with the rebuilding of the Kopuriki bridge on the Galatea highway which is badly overdue was suffered a further setback when the District Engineer P.W.D. notified the Whakatane County Council yesterday that no grant was available for such work during the coming year. The letter continued that not one penny was being spent this financial year by the Main Highways Hoard in this district on new bridges or bridge renewals and the possibility of obtaining steel and a suitable contractor was pretty hopeless. If the council thought that the construction of the Kopuriki bridge was a national emergency and importance, then it was suggested that the Member for the district take the. matter up direct with the Minister of Public Works. In a letter to the council on the same subject Mr W. Su.lliva.ii, M.P., stated that he would be pleased to ta'ke up with the Minister of Public Works the matter of the Kopuriki Bridge Grant, lie believed a re-vote would be necessary and the council could rest assured that he will endeavour to have the grant provided for the Avork. Cr Cawte urged that the matter should not be permitted lo drift any further. The bridge l constituted an! important link and if it became unusable would cut off a considerable population and. make an important thoroughfare unpassable. lie suggested that tlie engineer be instructed to prepare estimates for the erection of a wooden structure in order lo save time. After some discussion it was deckled to await the result of Mr Sullivan's; representations and in the meantime to approach one ot the greatest users, and ascertain the possibilities of a donation towards the work.