Bridge Conference.

Manawatu Herald, 23 June 1894, Page 3

Bridge Conference.

Tile Conference converted" b£ tile Mayor of Foxton to consider the question of bridging the Manawatu river at Wirokino and Shannon was held at the Foxton Library on Thursday at 2 p.m. PresentMessrs T. P. Williams, Mayor of Foxton, J. R. McMillan, Borough Councillor, J. Kebbell, Chairman County of Horowhenua, J. Davies, S. Venn, and G. Engles, members of the Horowhenua Council. Mr Williams moved, in a few Well Chosen words, that Mr Kebbell take the chair, explaining that Mr Kebbell had had very much more experience in local bodies to what he had had and that he was a very old resident in the district. Mr Kebbell declined, thinking the I Mayor should take the chair. Mr Engels moved, That the -Mayor take the chair. Seconded by Mr Davies. Mr Williams first read an apology .from Mr Strang, who being at Woodville had unfortunately missed the train, and ono from Mr F. Robinson, who was also absent from the prevailing illness. The members of the conference expressed much concern at no repro. sentative of the Manawatu County Council- being present. Mr Williams said the meeting wag called to consider the bridging of the Manawatu river at Shannon and Wirokino. It was not so much the cost of erecting these bridges which demanded attention as though the sums looked large, the division of cost would make the sums needed from the different local bodies small. He estimated the cost of the bridges at £13,500. Some two years ago the cost of the "Wirokino bridge was estimated at £7,500. He should, if matters at this meeting were put on a proper fooling, write to the Government to supply plans and estimates. ' Mr Davies wanted the chairman to mention what proportion of the cost each local body should bear. Mr Williams said the valuation of the Manawatu County was £810,---000; the Wirokino Riding £207,---82 4; Tokomaru Riding £186,000 ; Awahou Riding £101,290; Foxton Borough £84,498. He pointed out that taking the Awahou Riding and the Borough, and the Tokomaru and Wirokino Ridings of the Horowhenua County, we have £579,117. From this must be deducted the value of the railway, £118,000, which is now not taxable for loans, and a sum of £44G,117 would be left. He took the view of the matter of loan that a larger area meant a larger security, but/the amount needed for interest was small. The ferries brought in last year say about £200 and the wages of the men could be taken at the lowest £100, so that that amount could come off say £715 on loans of £18,000, leaving only £U5 to find. Mr Davies said a farthing rate would only provide £217 in the Tokomaru and Wirokino Ridings, and three-eights of a penny would only cover the interest. Mr Kebbell said he thought the work of considering the valuations as so much labor lost, and that the cost, of the bridges should be taken at half cost by the local bodies on either side of the river. The first thing was to get the real cost of the bridges and the Government should be asked to send an engineer up. fllr Davies said they could not ask the people in the south of the Horown'enua County to find any share towards the bridge. They would also have -to explain the question very fully to their ratepayers. They could not say what the Manawatu people should do so as to provide the means required, each local body must raise their own share. Mr McMillan desired to know if the representatives were prepared to la^this recommendation before their Council, that of finding one half of the cost of erection of the bridges ? The general expression was affirmative by the southern representatives. Mr Venn understood that the Tokomanx settlers would be taxed for half. cost of Shannon bridge and the Wirokino settlers pay half the cost of the Wirokino bridge. Mr Davies said that was what was proposed. Mr Kebbell felt assured that the Shannon bridge with approaches would cost nearer £10,000 than £60Q0, I Mr., Davies proposed, and Mr Kebbell seconded. That the Chairman write to the Government asking for engineering assistance and that J plans and estimates of the two bridges be supplied.— Carried unanimously. Mir Williams said they had asked the present representatives to meet at Foxton on account of its being more central but they might meet somewhere else next time. Mr Davies believed a farthing rate would cover the interest on the bridges. Mr Venn believed the estimates must be obtained before the settlers

again liiefc. He suggested that the chairman dbn?ei!e H freetiag , at Shannon when a reply is received. Mi* McMillan proposed, and Mr Williams seconded, That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Messrs Davies, Venn, Kebbell and Engles for attending this meeting.