NORMANBY.

Patea Mail, 23 November 1880, Page 3

NORMANBY.

f [■' UU M 0U It COKItKST OXD 13 X 'l'.] Monday Evening. On Saturday a meeting of Waimate Plains settlers was held for the purpose of urging on the Government the necessity of constructing the bridge ovei the Waingongoro, near Mawhitiwhiti, as soon as possible. It was well attended, several persons being present from Hawcra, and the meeting was unanimous in its opinion as to the necessity of such a bridge, though several old settlers pointed out that the Government had been again and again petitioned on the subject, and had always found some excuse for deferring the matter. A telegram from Major Atkinson was read, stating that Mr Bryce was in favor of making the bridge, and was having plans and specifications drawn up, but he (Major Atkinson) was afraid that the money would not bo forthcoming. It was agreed that an offer should bo made to lend the Government the necessary amount at the current rate of interest until it could be placed on next session’s Estimates and be repaid. Whether such a proposal can or will bo accepted, it is difficult to say ; but at least it proves that the district is thoroughly in earnest in its call for this piece of work. That it should be left to the settlers to agitate for this work to bo done seems of itself rather rough treatment, as the land has fetched exceedingly high prices compared with most waste lands, and the whole of the timber which it is necessary to cart to the Plains would, for some lime at any rate, go over this bridge. It was also intended at the meeting to draw the attention of Government to the number of the unemployed at works and the method being pursued, but Captain Wilson stated that a change was contemplated, viz., letting the work in small contracts, so that the men can still obtain employment; and working with better heart, will probably make higher wages at less expense to Government.