Manawatu County Council.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 81, 9 March 1885, Page 2

Manawatu County Council.

[Continuation of report.] The Engineer reported — I have examined the working plans of the additions to, and alterations »pon the Awahuri Bridge, and I fear they are not likely to prove of a permanent character. The old bridge is to be raised two feet throughout ; two now spans of 40 feet added to the Polmerston side, and one 30 feet span to the Sanson side, tho, gap left being made up with sheet piling to flood level. There is no provision made for securing the banks at either end, | and I learn that since the contract was : let, a portion of the bank on the Palmerston side has been carried away. I am Strongly of ; opinion that unless the river is confined to } ouo course , the buildjng of arches on each side is just throwing money away. The rivevis much too wide already and requires to be narrowed and the banks replaced and secured. . „ '-, ; Or Sanson concurred m that part of the engineer's report referring to the Awahuri bridge, and* agreed that it would be an absolute waste of public money for the work to be carried out'on the present plans. • Although the contract had been let, it was possible by representation of their views to the Manaawatu Road Board, to make some 'arrangements with the contractor for alteration of these plans. Since the plan's were . prepared and submitted to the Council,' the river had cut through a small isthmus, and it was evident "the river should be controlled at this point. He proposed— r-That a committe be appointed, consisting of the Chairman, :Cr Stewart, and the mover, to endeavour to make more satisfactory arrangements with the Manawatu Road Board respecting repairs td the Awahnri bridge. Or McLennan seconded the motion. Cr Stewart said that unless something was done soon, the river would be double* its present width. ! The Chairman said the Manawatu Road Board had gone on with the bridge upon the altered, plans without- consult-: ing the Council. Cr Sanson remarked that it was only a matter of courtesy on the part of the Manawatu Road Board to consult the Council at all. \ - ; .; After some further discussion, the mov tion was, put and carried. Cr Sanson moved— That the engineer be instructed to prepare plans and specifications for the extension of the iramway from Speedy's-lirie to Sans6n. Tenders to be m by noon next meeting day. The contract to be completed by 31st. July, next." After the very satisfactory adjustment of accounts between the. 'Ho'rdwhenua county and the council, the council was how m a position to extend the tramwa3' to Sanson without hampering its finances. The financial position of the county would be made doubly. , sure .by extending the time for the corn- . pletibn of the .contracts. There w^s another' advantage m this— if the Coun■cil gave ample time, it would allow working men to do the work themselves without employing extra hands, and .•they: would therefore be able, to take it cheaper.. He saw no p reason' wliy the tramway should hot be completed by next wool reason. — (Hear,- hear). Cr Davis ' seconded the ihotion, and urged' the necessity of pushing on with the work. ■. : . :. ■: In reply to Mr Gibson, .; The CHairman said he had gone : into the financial position of the county very carefully, arid could honestly say that he could' see his way to push the tramway on to Sanson if it was not done, m too great a hurry. . . . The motion was put and carried. Cr Stewart gave notice that he would move at the next meeting the suspension ofitW' Counties Act within th^-cbimty.of.. Manawatu. He did this -at the request' of several of the ratepayers. ' Accounts- were passed and- the Council adjourned till April 2nd. • i