The Ohinemuri Gazette. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1911. THE NETHERTON BRIDGE.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXII, Issue 2791, 17 May 1911, Page 2

The Ohinemuri Gazette. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1911. THE NETHERTON BRIDGE.

All the preliminary steps in connection with the raising of a loan for the purpose ot erecting a bridge over the Waihou River have now been taken, and the date for the poll on the loan proposal has been fixed for Thursday, 25th inst. The sum it is proposed to borrow is .£2500, and the bridge to be erected will be a substantial up-to-date structure, the site being at the Puke. For years past the question of a bridge to give better and more speedy connection between Paeroa and Netherton has been discussed, and at last it seems that the much needed bridge is to be erected. The present terry service, although it served the purpose when Netherton was not so populous and flourishing, is now obsolete, and better means of crossing the river are imperatively needed. This fact is recognised not only by the settlers on the banks of the river, but also by the business people in the Paeroa township, for not only will the bridge give the iarmers better and safer means of access to their holdings in all weathers, but it will also be the means of bringing business to Paeroa. The present farming lands at Netherton iorm but a smal.l portion of the agricultural district that will be served by the proposed bridge; from Netherton to Kerepeehi is but a short drive over a road that is partially made, and which in a very short time will be made available for any traffic at any time ot the year. I hat the trade irom the Hauraki Plains will do much to increase the prosperity ot Paeroa cannot be doubted, but that trade will not come to this township unless the means of access are fully adequate. Without a bridge over the river it would be foolish to say the means of communication were satisfactory, and failing easy communication with Paeroa the trade would go elsewhere. The cost .Jo. the ratepayers {or the bridge will be but small. The rate, will be only three-

sixteenths oia penny in the pound on the rateable value ot property in the special rating district—a mere trifle compared with the benefits that will accrue. It

means that the property owner whose property is valued for rating purposes at ,£240 will be called upon to pay an extra 3s gd per annum in rates. That many people will object to pay this amount —or a similar amount in proportion to the value of their property — is not likely. If we are to make the district prosper we must have faith in its future, and who that is even reasonably hopeful can doubt that, given proper opportunity, the place will advance rapidly along the road to prosperity. Those, of course—if there be any—who are content to let the place stagnate, who would let others obtain the trade that should rightfully belong to Paeroa, will vote against the loan. But those people—and we believe they iorm the great majority—who desire to help the district and to help themselves, who recognise that it is only by a little self-help that we can advance, will give their whole-hearted support to the loan proposal, and will vote and urge their friends and neighbours to vote in favour of the loan. A splendid opportunity of showing our faith in the place presents itself, and it the ratepayers do not take advantage of that opportunity they will discover when too late that others more energetic will step in and direct the

trade into other channels. But we trust that all who possibly can will make a point on Thursday, 25th inst, of registering their votes in favour of the loan proposal, and that the large majority by which the proposal will be carried will show that Paeroa and Netherton people recognise that the bridge is urgently needed, and that they are prepared to find the small amount of money neces-

sary to pay the cost.