OTOROHANGA BRIDGE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 26, 19 April 1907, Page 2

OTOROHANGA BRIDGE.

The agitation for a bridge over the Waipa river at Otorohanga continues, and it is evident that the settlers most interested in the matter are bent on having the long-delayed, and much-required work undertaken by the responsible authorities at once. That such an important and necessary work has been shelved for so long, is hardly a credit to those who are responsible for the delay. Hardly a week passes without some minor accident taking place at the treacherous ford, which has to be negotiated by vehicles, and, periodically, we hear of more serious happenings, and narrow escapes from drowning, by those who are forced to take the only means offered to cross the river. Small wonder that the ford has become widely knowh as a death trap, and a place to be avoided. For years past the local residents, and travellers on horseback acquainted with the road, have used the bridge, erected over the river by Ellis and Burnand for carrying logs to the sawmill. One hardly cares to imagine what might have been the death roll at the ford, had not this means been afforded of crossing the river. The mill bridge has been offered to the Waitomo County Council by Messrs Ellis and Burnand, under reasonable conditions, for the purpose of providing a crossing for vehicles, but, after an inspection of the bridge by the Council's Engineer, and a committee, the offer has been declined. That such a course was reasonable and prudent, will, doubtless, not be questioned. However, it now remains the obvious and immediate duty of the Council to use every means at their disposal, to have 'the river bridged. There appears to be some doubt as to J whether the Council, or the Public Works Department, should undertake the work, and the Council is naturally anxious to avoid spending so much of the ratepayers money, as the bridge would cost, if the work legitimately belongs to the department. However, it is high time definite action was taken, and the County Council, as representatives of those locally affected, should take action to have the question finally settled. That the members of the Council fully realise the importance of the work, and the necessity for its immediate completion, was evidenced by the views expressed at the recent Council meeting. We trust the matter will be kept moving, and, undoubtedly, the Council's first duty is to ascertain its own liability with regard to the bridge, and act accordingly.