HUTT & PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1880, 14 October 1913, Page 3

HUTT & PETONE NEWS.

(From Our Special Correspondent.) V PROTRACTED BRIDGING. Tho work of linking up the Hutt pipe and traflac bridge with the Lowry Ilay Road has been anything but swift. The bridgo itself was completed well over two years ago, and, for quito a length of time afterwards was left suspended in mid-air, with its approaches uncompleted. Tho I'ctouo Borough Council was the first body to make a start with connecting up one sido of the river with tho other, and it was not long before that body had extended Jackson Street and formed tho western approach. Access could now bo obtained by the public as far as the east end of the bridge, but here progress was blocked, for the simplo roason that that end of the bridge was still suspended in mid-air. Tho City Council -now came in for a fair share of comment for procrastination in completing tho eastern approach, its share of the work. This was eventually carried out in spasmodic stagc3 and completed some time ago. Tho bridgo was now of somo slight use to tho public, i.e., as a connecting link between Petone and residents in tho immediate proximity of the far sido of the river. To this day, however, the bridge has never been of use for its real purpose—leading to tho short cut to Day's Bay. Another important step in this direction, however, was commenced yesterday morning, when a gang of men under tho direction of the Gracefield Syndicate started tho work of connecting up tho newly-constructed Waiwetu bridge with tho Lowry Bay Road. The road is to bo formed through a portion of tho Hutt Park, behind the old grandstand and through the saddling paddock in a straight line lrom tho Waiwctu bridge. The Gracefield Syndicate intends to havo the road now being constructed specially rolled, so that it will give a splendid surface for motorists. This link of tho work, which is to cost about £1100, is to be completed within four months. Tho last stage of the worl; will be connecting two bridges (tho Hutt with tho Waiwctu). As to which local body is to undertake this there is no certainty at present. It- includes practically the formation of a road along tho rough, path already in uso, and to do this somo old looseboxes and sheds must ho demolished and a small creek clilverted. It is estimated that to carry out this would take somo four months, the most important part being tho culverting of tho creek, acccss over which to the other sido can only be obtained at present by a hazardous journey over two frail rails. When this last stage of the work is accomplished the public will ho able to take advantage of tho huge saving of timfe which the short cut affords. A conference of the Mayors of Wellington, l'otone, and Lower Ilutt was held some time ago as to which body should carry out the final stage of tho work, but nothing resulted. Residents in the Hutt Valloy and elsewhere aro growing impatient, and wish to know when this protracted undertaking is to be completed. OTHER ITEMS. A social gathering was held in the Petono Wesley young men's room last evening, tho Jtiev. J. J. Lewis presiding. The purpose of tho gathering was to wind up tho winter session of tho debating society. ' Tho following contributed to the programme : —Misses Blakeley and D.odd .and Messrs. Gamble and Chamberlain. There was a good attendance.

A well-attended meeting of the Wellington Freezing Workers' Union was held in Petono last evening, after the winter interval. Arrangements were made for tho ensuing year, as an early start is anticipated at the various works. It was unanimously decided to donate £10 to tho Dublin strike relief fund.