MAIN ACCESS BRIDGES ARE IN POOR STATE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 3, 4 October 1948, Page 5

MAIN ACCESS BRIDGES ARE IN POOR STATE

Whakatane And Edgecumhe Links Though unable to make any definite move itself, the Whakatane Harbour Board gave assurance on Friday of its backing for any body that would make representations to have some-' thing done about the Whakatane and Edgecumbe bridges, both of which stand a chance of being washed out in a big flood, and both of whieh are really not suitable for present day traffic. Mr H. G. Warren introduced the subject, remarking that he knew the Whakatane bridge was not under the Board’s jurisdiction, but the Board, as owner of substantial property in the Borough, should be interested in the facts that the bridge was deteriorating rapidly and that recently the Borough Council had been advised by the Minister of Works, Mr Semple, that no new bbidge was to be built yet. A heavy flood could wash out the bridge and cut the Borough off from the Plains altogether. He felt all bodies interested in the welfare' of the district should urge the. Government to decide where the new bridge was going to be and to have it installed.

The chairman, Mr W. R. Boon, said he did not think it was a matter for the Board, but one for the County Council. However, if any body such as the Borough Council or the Chamber of Commerce would make the first move the - Board would certainly back any representations made through the County Council. Mr W. Hunter said all that Mr Warren had said about the Whakatane bridge applied with still greater force to the one at Edgecumbe, and that should be included in any representations that were made. Mr Warren agreed to place the matter before the Chamber of Commerce. ‘