Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, FEB. 11, 1897. A Bridge.

Manawatu Herald, 11 February 1897, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, FEB. 11, 1897. A Bridge.

The chances of obtaining a bridge over 'the Manawatu look better, much better, than they have hitherto done, if we can let the parochial view die out and face the question on the broad view of the greatest good for the greatest number. The Chairman of the Horowhenua County Council informed the councillors at their last meeting that the Government had paid for half tbe cost of erecting the bridge over the Tokomam river. . This ;ac.t' shows that the Government are recognising the justice of the general public contributing somethingtoWards a general good. This being so the claim for assistance in bridging the Manawatu will be far greater, and if tbe proportion of aid to cost is given, as bai been given to the Tokomaru bridge, we shall have one-half the cost found us. Possibly the expanse of erecting a bridge at Wirokino will be greater than at Shannon, but supposing we place the coat of the fiist named at £7000 and of the latter at £5000, the total difference in cost will be £2000, but with the Governnipnt aid would only amount to £1000, a small sum divided between the three public bodies. Taking another view, we may say the co3t of either bridge to the local bodies would be £3500, or £2500, meaning as interest on the sum borrowed £175 or £125, making the difference between the amount payable on either bridge such a small sum of £50 a year, or under £17 a year to each governing body. We are not taking a part to influence either site but have put these figures in evidence to show that any statements which may be made as to the difference in <sost in cither bridge may be taken at its value. The erection of a bridg*. somewhere, seems almost certain, and we again commend the impartial action of the Mayor in peeking unprejudiced advice a; to the best site for one.