TE AROHA BRIDGE.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 126, 3 April 1919, Page 3

TE AROHA BRIDGE.

Matamata County Liability.

A deputation from tiio Matamata County council—Cr. J. W. Anderson, and the clerk, Mr H. Lewis, and the engineer, Mr F. Shannon —waited on the Piako County council, on Monday in regard to the latter body’s proposal to erect a new ferro-concrete bridge over the Waihou river at Te Arolja. Cr. Anderson said his council was entirely opposed to contributing to the cost of any new bridge. The chairman (Cr. Thomas) asked was the Matamata County prepared to continue the amount it now cost for maintaining the present wooden structure. Cr. Anderson said ho thought the most equitable basis was for Matamata County to take over Piako’s liability for the Cambridge bridge, and Piako should take over Matamata’s liability for the Te Aroha bridge. Councillors generally considered this tho most satisfactory arrangement as between the two local bodies.

Mr Lewis said Matamata contributes £59 annually to tho Te Aroha bridge, and £34 to tho Cambridge bridge. Mr Rae said Piako piys £66 to the Te Aroha bridge and £3B to the Cambridge bridge. The bridge at Cambridge was built in 1906 and that at Te Aroha in 1908. The figures quoted were for interest on the principal. On these figures Piako councillors said an exchange as suggested would not be advantageous. Mr Rae said at present maintenance of both bridges cost Piako more than Matamata. If Mr Anderson’s suggestion were adopted Matamata would save about £l4 per year. The chairman said to re-deck the Te Aroha bridge would cost £4OO. If Matamata would contribute its share of this, Piako would be willing to exchange maintenance of the two structures. The Matamata deputation then withdrew while the Piako County . discussed the matter with its .solicitor. Jr On resuming the Matamata deputation was asked if it would agree to refund tho last Piako maintenance payment for Cambridge bridge and pay the amount at present duo for Te Aroha bridge, then each county agree to maintain their own bridges in conjunction with their respective borough councils. The two payments referred to total about £42 which Matamata would say to Pi a ko. Cr Anderson intimated that personally he was prepared to accept this basis of agreement. The deputation then withdrew.