Application for Subsidy for Bridge.

Manawatu Herald, 21 October 1897, Page 2

Application for Subsidy for Bridge.

On Saturday afternoon the Mayor, accompained by the chairman and two members of the Horowhenua County Council and the chairman of the Wirokino Boad Board, met the Minister for Lands in the Parliamentary Buildings. These gentlemen were introduced to the Minister for Lands by Mr John Stevens M.H.8., and Mr Field, M.H.K., also attended.

Mr Stevens introduced the subject of the erection of a bridge at Wire kino, and fully explained the value it would be to the district.

The Mayor (Mr J. R. Btansell) followed, and gave facts and figures. He showed what the probable co3t would be as given by the Govern • menfc engineer, and also figures relating to the probable income deriveable from tolls, based on present oharges. To guarantee these statements as to revenue, the speaker, as well as Mr Davies, offered to tulce the tolls at the estimate for three years certain. The Minister made many enquiries, as well as to what other public bodies would be interested, to which the Mayor referred him to the deputation present as representing three public bodies interested in the erection of the bridge. i All tb.3 deputation spoke in fivour of the bridge, which was also urged ; by Mr Field. Before leaving the Minister proraised to have a sum representing pound for pound, placed upon the estimates, but he said that he could not a* present ' answer for his colleagues. Tbe deputation then went into a discussion with tha Minister as to main roads and bridges in the Horo whenua County. The Mayor inform 3us that he thinks the chances of seeing a bridge eiect-d at Wirokino are very aopeful. He was very pleased at the interest

shown by the Minister and the assistance rendered by our representative, Mr Steven3, aqd the other ujetnbers of the deputation.