Otara Bridge Site.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 300, 28 April 1894, Page 2

Otara Bridge Site.

A meetiug of those interested in the erection of a bridge across the Rangitikei river at Otara was held at Meehan's Hall, Ohiugaiti, on Thursday afternoon. There was a large attendance of settlers from the Pemberton and Sandou Small Farm Blocks. Messrs T. K. McDonald (Wellington), J. Stevens M.H.R., Reid (chairman Kiwitea County Council), Homer (member Kiwitea County Council), Dalziell and Allison (Kangitikei County Council), were among those present. Mr J. P. Aldridge occupied the chair, and, in addressing the meeting said that £1250 had been promised as a subsidy by the Minister of Lands, but that tbo Government would not now give anything till the question of site was settled, they (the Government) being in favor of placing one higher up the river at Three Log Whare. Mr Reid said that the question of the two bridges being too near each other had been raised, but they did want two bridges. The Government had recommended two bridges, and it was unfair to question the site now after it had toen decided by the Minister for Public Works. The (local bodies would not give the Government any assistance for a bridge higher up than Otara, as the ratepayers would not allow themselves to be taxed for a bridge which was of no use to them. Mr J. Stevens, M.H.R., had written to the Government pointing out the greater advantage the Otara site would be and advised that a strong deputation should go to Wellington and interview the Premier and Minister of Lands. Mr Homer said the Otara bridge would be of greater benefit to settlers at Pemberton, Apiti, Curl's Clearing and Marion Special Settlement. Mr J D. EcGregor suggested that a list of small settlers living on the Pemberton side of the river should be prepared and sent to the Government. Mr G. McGregor did not mind which bridge was erected as he intended putting up a private bridge. The land he occupied was a native reserve and as the natives paid rates they should be treated fairly. Mr T. K. Macdonald thought the best way was to keep worrying the Government, and if it could be shown it would benefit small farmers, he had no doubt their wishes would be favorably considered. Messrs Dalziell and Stent also spoke on the subject. Tho following were appointed a deputation to interview the Ministry on the question : — Messrs John Stevens M.H.8., Reid, J. P. Aldridge, Ewen McGregor, C. Stent, Alex. Simpson (Marton), J. D. McGregor (Pemberton), F. Homer, John Marshall, R. E. Beckett, J. Allison, A. Dalziell, Richard Hammond, Edward Mooso, and Paulino. A list of the names and acreage of each nettler interested will be prepared and submitted to the Government. Tho usual vote of thanks to the chair closed the meoting. - Mercury.