A FITZHERBERT MATTER.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 669, 20 November 1909, Page 13

A FITZHERBERT MATTER.

DEPUTATION TO THE HON. E. MTCENZIE. Tho need for a bridge over tho Manawatu Rivor between Fitzhqrbert nnd Pnlmerston North at Hokowhitu was urged by a deputation which waited upon the lion. E. M'Kensie, Minister for Public Works last night. Mr. Nash, Mayor of OPalmorston North, said that tho proposed bndgo ivould co3t about £mii. For some years a vote for JC2StM) had appeared on tho Estimates. They desired either that the Government should promiso a giant of jC for i!'or reinstate tho vote. Towards tho cost of the work the Palmerston North borough was willing to contribute ,£ISOO, the Pahlatua county .£SOO, and the settlers in tho Tilzherbert E. district wero willing to rate themiolves for a loan of If tho proposed bridge were erected a saving of three miles would bo effected, and settlers would have practically a level road Mr. Johnston, president of tho Chamber of Commerce at Palmentton North, pointed out that the bridge would open up something liko 8000 acres of good land, which would ultimately come in for closer settlement. Then again, its construction would relieve the Pitzherbert bridge, which was none too safe, to the extent of half tho traffic Tihich went o\er it. Mr Bryant 'addressed the Minister on behalf of the settlors of Titzherbert E. He said tho erection of the bridge would mean a saving of ss. per ton on every load of produce. Mr Abraham declared that tho road in question was the only thoroughfare , for stock between the east and west coasts now that the Qorge Bond was impassable Ho stated thaf the present bridge was dangeroue for foot-passengers immediately before and after sale days. The approaches to it were liablo to bo washed away. The Minister said that demands, which would help the baokblocks settlers were receiving attention first .of. .all-.from tho. Government. He did not think that,thero wa<j any urgent , about tho vrork,jn qpeation t It was, indeed, his opinion that tho Governmerit)iwould"rnot be able to do' anything in' the' mattor until next year or perhaps longer