DEADLOCK MAY END.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2003, 10 March 1914, Page 6

DEADLOCK MAY END.

HUTT PIPE BRIDGE.

SIGNS OP A FORWARD MOVE.

It appears probable that this year will Eeo a permanent connection between the Hutt Pipo Bridge and tlio Lowry Bay Koad. Last ovennm a deputation, consisting of Messrs. H. A. Gold (chairman), and Ji Ward, -of the Gracofield Estate Syndicate, waited on tbo Hutt Eor--3&9f mc[ \ «nd'uiged that the work should bo put in Land. m ??~i Gold ll id that ho <lid Mt s P eak entirely as tho representative of the Graceheld Estate Syndicate, but also for several ratepayers. In the agreep Ho construction or tho bndgo aJid its approaches there was no mention of a road from the Wanvotu Bridge to the new Hutt Pino Bridge, riie, Waiwetu Bridge would shortly connect with tho Lowry Bay road, and without a connecting road between the two bridges the two constructions were well nigh useless. Tho agreement stipulated that certain ratepayers wero to construct a road to connect'tho Waiwetu Bridge with the Lowry Bay road, ihis road, continued the speaker, would bo ready for traffic! in a week or two. Hβ thought that as tho Hutt Council had been but small contributors towards tho construction- of the bridge, they should give financial assistance towards constructing the road which would connect tho two bridges. The city engineer (Mr. W. H. Morton) had fixed tho c . ost °f constructing the road at £900, and the City Council was prepared to bear half of that amount. Tho other half is to be naid by those interested— namely those local authorities who would benefit. The speaker went on to say that as soon as the road had been constructed land values would go up, as well as rates, and this factor would he to tho council's advantage. In conclusion, the speaker suggested that the council should guarantee tho £450, and pay it off in instalments extending over a period of ten years. Other local bodies concerned in tho matter were the Hutt, County Council and the Petono. and Eastbourne Borough Councils.

Mr. Ward said that nrior to the Road Improvement Loans Bill being introduced the rates on properties in which he was interested in had totalled £20 per annum, now , they, totalled over £300. Hβ did not advocate that the council should contribute the whole of the £450. but just a portion. He pointed out that six or seven thousand pounds had been expended by outside local bodies and private persons to inwove the Hntt Borough, and. in conclusion, expressed the opinion that both the nresent ard past councils liad not dealt with the matter as thav should have done.

Councillor Kempthorne said that ho realised that it would bo ridiculous if tho road wero held up. Ho inquired whether the Eastbourne Council and the Petono Council had been asked to contribute. ■ '■ - Mr. Gold ronlied that they had not been approached. Councillor Meldrum asked whether the estimate <jf £900 included dahiaco to houses, which would have- to he moved. The Mavo-r renliod that tho estimate would included' likely dairiano, and Mr. Gold also supnortcd this view. ■On'the moMon'of-the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Hobbs, it was decided to arrange for a conference between tho Hutt County Council and the Eastbourne and Potone Boroush Councils, and the Mayor of Wellington and others conoorned, with a view to having the £450 proportionately contributed. , .