PUBLIC MEETING RE RAILWAY BRIDGE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2254, 19 May 1881, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING RE RAILWAY BRIDGE.

A public meeting of those interested in the proposed construction of a bridge over the railway at Madras street was held on Wednesday evening in tho Oddfellows’ Hall, Waltham road. There were about fifty persons present, the Mayor of Sydenham in the chair.

The Chairman explained what the position of the proposal at present was, and the clerk of the borough read a letter from the Government on the subject, which was sent to the City and Sydenham Councils, and has already been made public. The letter suggested that Madras street was the best site for the bridge, and that the local interests concerned should contribute a part of the cost. An apology was read from Or. Andrew,who was unable to be present owing to indisposition. He approved of the suggestion of the Government, and hoped the meeting would see their way to support it. Mr Crawley gave a sketch of the efforts made for some years past to obtain some means of communication between Sydenham and the city, and it now appeared that they could have a bridge it they were prepared to put their hands in their pockets to the extent of £4OO. Ho scarcely approved of this plan, but there seemed no other course, and he was prepared to do his share. The Chairman pointed out that the Premier, when waited upon, had suggested that the owners of property abutting on the line should contribute to the cost of the bridge. Mr J. Lee proposed that a general rate should bo imposed to meet the case. There were many expressions of dissent from this proposal. Mr Lee then suggested that a canvass of those immediately interested in the line of route should be made, with a view of ascertaining approximately the amount likely to bo raised. The motion was duly seconded. Mr Michael Hart moved the following amendment“ That in view of the inequitable demand of the Government in requiring such a large proportion of the cost .of the bridge to bo guaranteed by the residents interested, and the consequent burden upon the latter ; and further, in view of the fact that increased means of communication with the City of Christchurch will more or less benefit the whole of Sydenham, it be respectfully recommended to the Sydenham Borough Council to take into consideration the expediency of levying a special rate for the purpose of raising the required amount, and that the Chairman transmit this resolution to the said Council.”

Seconded by Mr Crawley, who said that subscriptions had been promised, and he believed that £2OO might be obtained by voluntary contributions. At the same time, he animadverted strongly on the action of the Government in the action they had taken. But they, the people, must, under the circumstances, do the best for themselves. The Chairman pointed out" that a difficulty presented itself in connection with giving effect to the resolution. The Municipal Corporations Act provided thst a special rate could only be struck on the requisition of a majority of tho ratepayers within the area affeoted.

Mr Hart explained that his amendment was simply a recommendation to the Council, which they could affirm or otherwise, and the people could be consulted if necessary afterwards.

Mr Whitelaw thought the amendment was unworkable, and suggested that as something like half the amount had been promised, the Borough Council should be asked to supplement it by £IOO, and the City Council or city residents sufficiently interested might be induced to contribute the remaining £IOO. After some further discussion, the question was put to the meeting, and the original resolution was carried.