BRIDGING THE PIAKO.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4466, 13 September 1922, Page 1

BRIDGING THE PIAKO.

A NEW CROSSING ABOVE PATETONGA. The necessity for a crossing over the Piako River between Patetonga and Tahuna was pointed but at the Hauraki plains County Council meeting on Monday by a deputation of Patetonga and Tahuna settlers, comprising Messrs Christie, Dalzeil, Swney, Tapper, and Hedley. Cr. Mayn, introducing the deputation, said that the construction of a bridge across the Piako River and a deviation on the West Road were desirable. The settlers concerned were unanimous to a man that the bridge was required. Cr. McLoughlin supported Cr. Mayn. Mr Christie pointed out the saving of distance the bridge and deviation would make. The bridge would save them an hour and a half in the distance to the Waihou saleyards. It would only require a small bridge, but it would mean a lot to the settlers. He urged upon the absolute necessity of having the bridge completed. Mr Dalzeil said they had been for flour years without an outlet. The bridge and deviation would give, them a straight outlet. The bridge would be a great benefit to the Plains. Mr Swney said the bridge would make Paeroa, Morrinsville, and Te Aroha much closer.

' Mr Tapper said it was reajly a matter. of outlet, which was at present over the hills. They had the. worst nine miles of hill road. He invited the councillors tp go over that road on such a day as Monday, which was a very wet flay.

Mr Swney said the road was so bad that a Morrinsville .taxi-driver had refused to bring the doctor out. Mr Hedley said the present road was not a practical one. The deviation would be the only practical outlet. The bridge was also essential.

Cr. Harris said it was gratifying to see the calibre of the deputation. It gave the council support oh its recent decision to make all bridges county matters. After hearing these gentlemen he was more than ever convinced that their decision had been on the right lines. Cr. Whitechurch said that when Tahuna went in for its loan he had urged for a deviation which would affect the whole of the Maukoro estate' Neither the deviation nor the bridge would affect any other portion of the Tahuna riding.: He would riot oppose any progressive movemen--The bridge and deviation would be in the interests of that end of the county.

Cr. Mayn said he could understand slight opposition from Cr. Whitechurch, as it may turn traffic from his direction. The bridge would shorten the distance from Patetonga to Paeroa by 18 miles. In Patetonga they had! been talking about that bridge for the last eight years. He moved that a, committee, of the chairman,. Crs. Harris, McLoughlin, Whitechurch, arid Mayn, with the engineer inspect the site and have estimates prepared for a suitable bridge (either ordinary or with opening span) at that point on the river at West Road.

Cr. McLoughlin seconded. Cr. Whitechurch said that a; ineeting of Tahuna: ratepayers raised no objection to the bridge providing it did not block navigation. That would necessitate an opening span. Cr. Mayn said a landing at West Road would obviate the inclusion of an opening spam In any case, boats did not often go up to Tahtma. Cr. Whitechurch said boats go up once a fortnight now, and would soon go up once a week. Cr. McLoughlin said a system of lightering may have tp be instituted as the council could not bear the cost of opening spans on all bridges. Bridges would be required at Patetonga wharf and at Ngarua. Cr. Parfitt said he would support the motion as the bridge would be of great, benefit. It would, however, affect the secession of Tahuna from the county. Cr. Mayn pointed but that there was no opening span in the Tiroilia which .was below Te ’Aroha, a fair sized town. Cr. Mayn’s motion was carried unanimously.