BRIDGING WHIRINAKI

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 84, 24 September 1947, Page 4

BRIDGING WHIRINAKI

HIRE OF BAILEY BRIDGE RESPONSIBILITY OF COUNTY COUNCIL The prolonged discussion between the Whakatane County Council and the Army Department in connection with the arrangement of a suitable hire rate for the Whirinaki Bailey Bridge which was erected, two years ago to replace the standard bridge washed away in an abnormally high flood, was advanced a further stage yesterday. The bridge which was intended merely as a temporary expedient, bids fair to become a permanent fixture until bridge building material becomes available.

A letter from the P.W.D. stated that the Minister had already had a conversation with .the .County Chairman. He stated: “During the course of conversation I intimated to Mr Burnett that I would like to be assured by him that the recommendations re hire rate of Bailey Bridge which I proposed submitting to Hon. Minister would be acceptable to the County. The remission of hire charges to £4O per month as set out in the last paragraph of my memorandum of 6th June were stated by Mr Burnett to be considered too high, but I informed him that any figure would have to approach £4O per month before I would agree to recommend same.

Examination of the County Clerk’s letter of 7th instant indicates mostly reasons why the Government should assist the County in providing a temporary bridge until such time as the construction of the permanent bridge can be erected. The Bailey Bridge concerned, is owned by the Army Department, and the question of a reasonable hire rate as between that Department and the County Council is really quite independent of the question of Government assistance towards provision of a temporary bridge. The correct approach for this is for the County to make application for assistance for flood damage restorations. The County Clerk states that the cost of installation of the Bailey Bridge to his County was £B22—did the County obtain any Government assistance -towards this work? There again it is noted that the County anticipates a £ -for £ subsidy upon dismantling this Bailey Bridge. What leads to this assumption? On the basis that the Bailey Bridge cost £5,000, it is considered reasonable to allow 5 per cent, for depreciation and 3i per cent, for interest the rental would require to* be £425 per annum. This makes no allowance whatsoever for maintenance which is noted to be the function of the County Council. I am prepared to recommend Hon. Minister to request the Army Department to agree to a hire charge of £35 per month commencing 1.8.46 for this bridge provided the County undertake maintenance including painting but I am not prepared to make any recommendation that would involve a lower charge.”

Cr Hunter considered that as the Government had the biggest interest in Galatea it ought to be prepared to shoulder the main responsibility.

Cr McCready: I’m surprised at Cr Hunter—the Government has no interest in the men on the land up there at all.

The Chairman: The Department is determined to charge us a rental and that is what we have to consider.

Cr Luxton was happy to leave the whole matter in the hands of the chairman to take up with the Minister of Works?'lt had to be remembered that a new bridge would cost £13,000.

Cr Cawte maintained that the Council had a direct interest in the bridge which gave access to Galatea, a settlement which the Council had been largely responsible for having opened for rehabilitation. The Council was also getting good, royalties from the road transport up there and he did not consider the money side should be questioned too much. . ..

“Why should the whole of the ratepayers in the County be asked to shoulder the expense when it is mainly to serve Crown lands and State tenants,” declared Cr Luxton. “I consider that the Government should at least be prepared to give some assistance —not necesarily only in Galatea but in every rehabilitation area of soldier settlers.”

The whole question was left in the hands of the chairman to take up with the Minister of Works in conjunction with Mr. W. Sullivan, M.P r , when in Wellington. ~*•>