Blaketown Lagoon Footbridge And Dock

Grey River Argus, 6 September 1948, Page 4

Blaketown Lagoon Footbridge And Dock

The Minister of Marine, Hon. I?. Hackett, hass advised the' Blaketown Ratepayers’ Association as to the lagoon as follows: — “In regards to the protest of your Association against the proposed closing of the footbridge over the Blaketown lagoon. The position _is that the Committee of Expert Engineers which recently reported on proposals for long range improvements to the Greymouth Harbour reported in favour of a wet dock with wharf and rail facilities on the east bank of the Erua Moana Lagoon. It is recommended that the Harbour Board takes steps to secure this area for the future development of the port when the economic life of the existing wharves is reached, possibly in 20 years’ time'. This, of course, would .entail the demolition of the existing footbridge which, I understand, is over 40 years old and in a dangerous state even at the present time. I find, however,, that the Harbour Board, anxious is it is to ensure that there is pedestrian access provided in lieu of the existing bridge has arranged for a new footbridge in another position at a cost of £l,OOO. Provision for a full traffic bridge would mean an expenditure of about £12,000 and this could not remain in the event of shipping requiring to use the area for a turning basin. I am, therefore, in entire agreement with the proposal of the Board to provide for a temporary footbridge with a life of, sa v 20 years, rather than the construction of a traffic bridge, which I feel sure would have to be pulled down if necessary harbour, improvements at Greymouth are given effect to.”