Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1896. Bridges.

Manawatu Herald, 15 August 1896, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1896. Bridges.

For a pretty example of public spirit we have only to refer to the local bodies around Palmerston, who, having erected a bridge at Ashursfc, which the flood washed partly away, now demand that it should be rebuilt out of public money. The example is an interesting one, and if the claim is acceded to, will lead to multiplication of claims from all over the colony. The first bridge was erected from a loan, upon which praotically the property owners paid nothing, as tolls were collected which covered all interest. The amount owing cannot be anything like the amount first borrowed, so that the logs to the districts concerned will not be very great, and another bridge can be erected now at a lesser cost to these districts, as the Government have half promised to give a grant in aid. Why, we know not, unless it is given on the old law, to him that hath shall it be given. Not satisfied with getting something for nothing, these " spoon fed " inhabitants grumble and talk about wanting all or none. We hope that they may not get anything for the poor spirit they exhibit, and the length of time they have allowed the public to be inconvenienced whilst they have been fingering the half pence at the bottom of their pockets. The Manawatu River is bridged at Fitzherbert, and a road on the south side of the river would connect the Gorge with the main road ; but here again we are introduced to the helplessness of the settlers. The road is not made, and, they ask, who is to make it ? Well, all we know is that in our part we have to make all the roads for ourselves, and we would jump at the chance to gel any Government assistance. The cry that the general public need consideration in the erection of this bridge, is shown to be idle, as up to now they have managed without a bridge since the one was damaged, and it must be remembered that the ratepayers in the district had all the comfort and advantage of that bridge at the expense of those who used it. Under these circumstances the offer of the Government to assist in rebuilding appears most generous. This is the place we come in. The Government are in a great hurry to assist those who it bag been shown need no assistance, as the Manchester Road Board could get the money for a bridge on the security of a rate, and the tolls would pay all cost, yet; in this district the Government have steadily refused to help in erecting a bridge, and in faot deterred a company from making one. Circumstances apparently alter cases, and in view of the approaching election it is well to draw attention to the manner Ministers treat one district as compared with an adjoining one. There is no doubt the Government should help by a pound for pound subsidy the erection of a bridge over the Manawatu River, either at Wirokino or Shannon, and before any promise of Ministers is allowed to be made to any Road Board it should be ascertained that similar assistance would be rendered to all We think in cases of large bridges Government should assist in the erection, as they ate a general benefit to the travelling public, but we do objeot that these grants should be distributed by favour instead of by rule.