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Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1922, Page 2

It would come as a surprise to the public especially those familiar with the south district, to learn from the County Council report this week that the Government has suspended action in regard to the building of the Waitangi river bridge. This decision is contrary to all promises hitherto made, and in point of fact is a breach of faith, seeing that the erection of the bridge hod been definitely promised. The excuse given for the negativing of the bridge is a rather peculiar one. The blame is being saddled on the Resident Engineer who is credited with a. statement, which, it would appear from the remarks of Cr. Chinn, who knows the crossing well, is contrary to fact. Here is a copy of the Ministerial reply or this important district matter: "I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, urging that tenders should be invited for the erection of the Waitangi-River Bridge and in reply liave to advise you that I proposod to retain the item on the estimates

this year, but from the information furnished to me by the Resident

Engineer, it appeal’s that the interference with traffic owing to the stream not being bridged is not a very frequent occurrence, and that having regard to the necessity for conserving what money is available for expenditure on those works of first importance in assisting com inanities of settlors who have either no access or very indifferent access,

I am inclined to think that the

erection of this bridge is a matter which will have to be held over tor the time being.”

As a matter of fact travellers frequently get iniio difficulties in the attempt to cross the river. Some North Island visitors had to pay deadly in their experiences to cross the stream! For motor traffic there is often a difficulty in securing horse traction, and when cars attempt to cross on their own power, trouble is frequently experienced. With the bridging of the Little Waitaha and Little Wanganui rivers this year, it is more essential than ever that the Waitangi should be taken in hand, a s that is the only large and difficult crossing which will remain after the other two streams are bridged. The case for bridging the Waitangi river should be urged upon the Government, making the representations stronger than ever.

Thk conference between the Borough authorities and! the Railway officials on Tuesday, in respect to the steps necessary regarding the enlargement of the Hokitika station yard, was of ia very amicable nature. The mutual requests and wishes of both sides were met very fairly, and file result should prove a

satisfactory arrangement. The Council! is to consent to the closing of Stafford street at the railway crossing, whero extra lines are to be laid, Borne eight in number, and this portion t»f iha street will be taken into the yard space and fenced off to all public traffic. The Railway Department in exchange for this concession will place Hampden and Fitzherbert Streets in order to carry the volume of traffic hitherto crossing Stafford Street. These works in the borough, include the widening of the metalled portion of both streets, arid the replacing of the wooden box drain in Fitzherbert Street with a piped drain. In addition an overhead walk for pedestrians will be provided to cross the railway lines. This elevated way will be constructed on a long grade, thus avoiding the necessity for steps, and so will be more convenient for perambulators, young and aged people. The officials appeared to be well pleased with the ready manner in which the Borough authorities met the requirements of the Department. The arrangement is to be reduced to writing and formally confirmed by both parties, when the working plans for the alterations will be got out and the necessary dedication done. The works will then be put in hand. It is hoped in a few months to make a beginning with the alterations, which include a complete recasting of the station yard. Both the railway platform and goods shed have to be moved to new sites, and the whole of the linos, with additions relaid. Pedestrians and vehicle traffic will approach the station on the west side in Stafford/ Street as usual, the only change being that vehicles will not be able to cross as at present, the lines in Stafford street. Vehicles from the east side will require tol reach the station by way of either Hampden or Weld Streets. There will thus be a minimum of inconvenience Ond al very important improvement made to the station to cope with the extra volume of traffic to bo provided for.