BLACKBALL-NGAHERE BRIDGE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 29 October 1901, Page 2

BLACKBALL-NGAHERE BRIDGE.

Sore disappointment was experienced at Blackball, when, upon reading the estimates, for it seemed that the construction of the bridge was to be shelved again. Upon receipt of a wire from Mr Guinness, a large meeting was held last Saturday evening, when the following resolutions were passed and ordered to be telegraphed at once :

"To the Eight Hon. Premier and to A' R. Guinness Esq., M.H.R., Wellington. —That this public meeting considers the action of Government in not placiHg a sum on the Estimates for construction of Blackball-Ngahere bridge, a gross injustice to the residents of the district, and we respectfully request Government to place a sum on the Supplementary Estimates for »ame. For dajs at a time, mails and traffic are entirely suspended, and present transit is dangerous to life.

"To A. E. Guinness, Esq., M.H.R., Wei lington.—ls there time before close o session for deputation to you re Blaekbal bridge?"

'•To Secretary Blackball Coy., Christcliurch.—Will you kindly wire Cabinet urgent necessity construction NgaliereBlackball bridge. Eesidents doing same." Wires were also sent asking the co-opera-tion and support of the County Council, Borough Council and Harbour Board. The following replies were received j esterday:— " James Sneddon, Blackball.— Very pleased to learn that you have wired Cabinet re bridge. We continue to do all wo can in same direction.—Secebtaby, Blackball Co. 1 '

■• James Sneddon, Blackball. —Have interviewed Premier and Minister of Public Works with resolutions. Think shall be able to obtain satisfaction re bridge. No time for deputation. Thanks. Think resolution very satisfactory.—A. R. Guinness."

"James Snedden Esq, Blackball.—Tho people of Blackball have evidently not read tho Public Works statement, you will find therein the sum of £2OOO Ngahero Blackbill Railway and presume voa don't want both a traffic and railway bridge. A combined bridge in the opinion of tho Government is sufficient, pending the passing of the Authorisation Act for tho Railway. Advise leave matter in hands of tho Government. Mr Guinness has seen mo in reference to the matter and concurs in course suggested. The Government fully recognises tho necessity for improving the communication and you may safely leave the manner of meeting the requirements in the hands of the Government, and your member. —R. J. Seddon."