TOLAGA BRIDGE TOLL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2037, 23 March 1907, Page 2

TOLAGA BRIDGE TOLL.

...I.lj*\ i-nrir -TOK TWO YJCARS. Tlio Tolaga' bridge toll was the subject of much discussion at the mooting of the Cook County Council yesterday. A number of Tolaga residents asked that the bridge tolls bo dropped and -the interest pai l by the Council. The Council said this could not be done. It could bo done when there was enough money to give a credit for each riding. The general revenue could not be used for the purpose. As there would be a credit bala l . •<?. at the end of the month it mignt; li ti use it in paying the inter st ‘nr we years This action might I•• '.uestioned by the Audit Department and would be distasteful to the tolipayers.

Cr. Boland said most of tho special ratepayers were signatories of the petition. He moved that the toll he taken off for two years.

Cr. Harding supported the petition. The toll was a great hardship on business people and on tho residents generally. All the people coming in from the hack country to do business in the town had to pay the toll. lie could assure the Council that the people were not satisfied. Cr. Afat'thews said personally he would like to see the bridge free. A special ratepayer had written to him stating that he would regard the action as a breach of faith. Personally he thought the host thing to do was to reduce, the toll to an amount that would just pay the interest. TlTere would he trouble when tlie toll was re-imposed. Cr. Boland said the ratepayer mentioned was not a ratepayer. His son had a monopoly of the storekeeping business, and as the-removal of the toll would give free trade he was against it.

Cr. Lysuar said that failing the bridge being altogether free, he would favor the toll on foot passengers being taken off. In reply to the Chairman it was stated by the Clerk that there would he enough revenue from stoek and wheel toll to pay the interest.

Tho Clerk said the matter would have to he settled on that occasion as at next meeting arrangements would have to he made for next year’s toll if it was decided to keep it on.

Cr. Lysuar said that if the scheme was found unworkable it could he revoked after twelve months. The Chairman said it seemed cruel to take off the. blister and when the wound was healed chip it on again. Cr. Matthews asked when the bridge would need to he painted and what the cost would lie?

The Engineer said it would need a ?oat of paint in about three years, and would cost about £6O.

Cr. Harding moved that on the expiration of the present toll contract the tolls he abolished for two years. This motion was carried.

FERRY’S ROYAL SPECIALTY COMPANY. Tlie above Company is hilled to apear at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday and Tuesday next. Tlie combination is said to he a strong one, and in el uiles/Kershaw the Illusionist, who will he assisted by Aladame Seymour. The principal illusion, “Stroubaiko,” was last performed in New Zealand by Carl Hertz. Atlias, another member of the company, is credited with being as much at home on skates as the ordinary jockey is on horseback. Little Jennie Purelms has a very fine voice, and is always popular in her songs. Tho bioranm operated by Air Brandon Houghton is one of the latest machines. Amongst other pictures will be projected “The Great American Trriin Robbery,”