CONFERENCE OF LOCAL BODIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1921, Page 1

CONFERENCE OF LOCAL BODIES.

MEETING AT COUNTY CHAMBERS.

A meeting of members of local bodies and others was held at the County Chambers last evening under the auspices of the Westland Chamber of Commerce to consider ways and means with regard to the bridging up of the bridging of the Little Wanganui river, either by a temporary crossing or co-opera-tion with the Government in erecting the main road bridge for permanent trffie. There were present, Messrs G. A. Perry (chair), R. Wild, W. Jeffries. T. W. Duff, C, J. Nightingle, W. Robinson, R. F. Perham, M. IT. Houston, A. 0. Filkington, W. H. Chinn, R.

Adamson, Brown, Evans and Overseer Millner. Apologies were made for the absence of Messrs J. A. Murdoch and J. Ritchie. Mr Gillies (Resident Engineer also notified his inability to be present. The Chairman stated the business was consideration of the bridging cf Little Wanganui river.

The report of Overseer Millner (al-

ready published) was read and received. Another report was read approving of the report in favour of the construction of a permanent bridge.

A telegram was received from Mr P. R. Climie, secretary of the Canterbury Progress League, Christchurch, wishing the conference success and

iromising support of result of meeting,

but urging concentration on the erection of a permanent structure. —Received.

Mr Perry said after reading Mr Millner’s report he considered it was advisable to abandon the proposed low level bridge and to concentrate on the orec(ion of at least three spans of the main structure across tlie stream. He moved :~

That this representative meeting of local bodies, automob i lists, settlers, and the public generally strongly urges that the three spans of the Government bridge crossing the main stream of the little Wanganui river lie erected as soon as possible this year, and that those present recommend their respective bodies to jointly contribute £301) towards the erection of suitable approaches for vehicle traffic to the proposed three spans so that so much of the new main road bridge will be available for next season’s motor traffic; and that Mr Seddon M.P. be asked to wait personally on the Hon Minister of Public Works at Wellington, and place the foregoing proposal before the Hon J. 0. Coates with an urgent request to give this very pressing need of South Westland immediate effective attention.

Mr Jeffries seconded tho motion and stated the question had tho consideration of the Council that afternoon and the opinion was that tho low level bridge should bo abandoned and all their efforts should be concentrated for tho speedy erection of the main bridge. He thought the Councial would do its share in assisting in carrying out the work in any way considered advisable. Mr Chinn said he was certain a low level bridge would not prove a success. In flood time they would not be able to reach it and by catching and holding the debris would probably deflect tho stream and do damage. The site of the proposed main bridge was a. good one for tin' erection of three spans, and it could easily lie done at present, as the approach to the north end was already made.

Mr R. Wild said they were convinced of tho inadvisability of erecting a low level bridge. What they now should do should be to concentrate <>n tlie speedy completion of the bridge. Mr Evans said there was sufficient timber on the ground to erect three spans. The whole bridge with the approaches on the south side would cost thousands of pounds, and would take years to complete. Mr Duff thought they should agitate to go on with three spans. Tho rest could come after.

Mr Nightingale suggested that the system in use in former days for landill" from punts could bo utilised in getting from tho three span section to the ground on either side. Mr W. Robinson said tho main object was to get the bridge started. When they got three spans the rest would come in time. The motion was then agreed to.

Coming to the question of ways and means, Mr Wild moved: —That the mooting proceed to determine how the proposed sum of £360 bo raised, and that application bo made as follows: To tho Westland County Council for £IOO, tho motor car proprietors £IOO, the Canterbury Automobile Association £SO; the Westland Chamber of Commerce £25, and tho Progress League .£25; total £3OO.

After discussion, Mr Perham seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved to confer with tho Resident Engineer on tho proposal and also to advise the Canterbury Progress League on the action resolved upon.

The meeting terminated, at 8.20 p.m