RANGIOTU TRAGEDY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2933, 8 September 1925, Page 3

RANGIOTU TRAGEDY

BRIDGE DECLARED DANGEROUS.

“I would like to draw attention to the situation with regard to the bridge at Rangiotu, following the recent fatality there,” said Mr. H. Bond, at the monthly meeting on Saturday of the Manawatu executive, of the Farmers’ Union held in Palmerston North. “With this unsettlement between County Coun-. eils and the Highways Board over main highways, nobody seems to take the responsibility of the bridge where I consider a fence should be erected and painted white.” Mr. B. G. Gower: “It is more dangerous approaching the bridge from this side than from the other.”

Mr Bond said that the approach to the bridge was very deceiving. He had spoken to six men, all capable drivers, who had all had to pull up at the bridge, the wheels of one car scraping the side. When the aspect of human life came into it, the speaker felt that the place should be made safe.

Mr. Gower: “Didn’t you see that Mr. Nash brought the matter up in the House?”

Mi\ Bond: “Yes, but only 'by pressing this matter can we get satisfaction. The bridge is now practically in the hands of the Highways Board.” The chairman (Mr. 0. P. Lynch) : “The Board is not functioning yet!” Mr. Bond: “Then the bridge is in charge of the Kairanga County Council. That body is spending money on the bridge.” Although, upon the chairman’s interrogation, Mr. Bond said he thought it sufficient to bring the matter before the press, he later moved, and Mr. J. Gloyn seconded, that the Kairanga County Council be written directing attention to the need for the erection of a fence, painted white, on either side of the Rangiotu bridge.

The motion was earned unanimously.