TOWN BRIDGES.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 901, 27 May 1903, Page 2

TOWN BRIDGES.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE,

At the meeting of the Borough Council last evening tho Bridge Committee, Ora Hepburn, T. Morrison and ,1. Whiuray, reported that they wero unanimous in tho opinion that a bridge was urgently required. A careful survey of tiie river was inado from tho present bridge to Lyitoa road, and it was agreed that tho most suitable point for tho bridge is at Roebuck road, to connect with Wi Pero street on the Whataupoko. Arrangements could bo made with tho owners of tho land on either side of tho river for an exchange of the present road for a pteeo in a direct lino. Tiie Coiumitteo recommended tho Council to take steps to raise a loan for the construction of tho bridge, tho interest to bo paid by the ratepayers of tho Borough of Gisborne and Whataupoko Road Board ill such proportion as may bo agreed upon. Or Jones : There is no mention of tho probable cost. Cr Lysnar said it would cost about £ISOO. The Mayor : With a swing 2' Cr. Morrison said tho cost would be from

£2500 to £OOOO. Cr Lysnar saiu ho thought it would keep within £2ouo. Cr Somervell said that the Turunga river bridge, cost X'tiffOO. Cr Lysnar said they could do a lot of filling in of the mud for the bridge. Cr Somervell : The Governrnent will not allow filling in below highwater mark. Cr Lysunr: Don’t ask them. Tho Mayor said that years ago lie had suggested a cart bridge near the site proposed, but people then would not heur of it. Now they wanted a cart bridge almost alongside tho footbridge. Each bridge cost a large sum for maintenance. Cr Lysnar favored a bridge, but said there were other questions to consider. Mr Carroll had definitely promised a commission as to amalgamation, and if there was any hope of amalgamation the winds subject should he gone into, a Haiti bridge and tho widening of the present bridge, as well as a new bridge. They could by amalgamation have the three bridges erected for a five per cent rate, a shilling in the pound. Ho moved that the subject be deferred until the question of ami*, gamation was further gone into. Cr Harding seconded tho motion. Ho thought the bridge committee had so far done well. He thought tho site was all right, and all agreed that the bridge was necessary. He was very hopeful of tho success of amalgamation. Some who had previously opposed amalgamation had new come round to it. Cr Morrison considered that it was indefinite to wait for amalgamation. Tho Council would he justified in going further, and not awaiting for amalgamation. The Committee had carefully considered which site would serve the majority of people oil both sides of the river. There was a great deal to favor the pushing on of tho matter, and he moved the adoption of the report. Cr Whinray seconded the motion, to affirm the principle. The question of sito was only a suggestion. The opinion of people on both sides should he taken as to the site.

Cr Harding said if they adopted the report they committed themselves us to the site. Cr Whinray said the subject was worthy of further debate, but he did not wish to hang the thing up indefinitely. There was a good deal to be said in favor of Cobden street. They should have an expression of public opinion on the matter. Cr Harding said that the question of amalgamation would be threshed out within flic next three mouths. Cr Whinray said he would like to see the means forthcoming as well as tho principle being affirmed. He would prefer a little delay.

Cr Jones considered they should get to work as soon as possible ; but the public should ho allowed a voice in the matter. He suggested the report iio on the table for a month. There were many tilings to ! consider. It was suggested that Wfiataupoku should contribute, but lie thought the Cook County' which would ho much benefited should be joined in. Before they decided upon a site they should give the ratepayers an opportunity to express their opinions. During the month they could obtain ail information possible. Among other things they should ascertain on wnat terms they could obtain the frontage for the bridge, also they should get a rough estimate of the cost of the bridge. Tne original motion was withdrawn, and on the motion of Cr Jones, seconded by Cr Morrison, consideration of the report was deferred for a month.