The Telephone. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1884.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 88, 15 March 1884, Page 2

The Telephone. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1884.

As will be seen by reference to our report of the proceedings of the County Council, it has been decided to grant the sum of £250, with a view of obtaining £750 more from the Government towards the erection of the Turanganui Bridge. At the same time, we are compelled to remark that, had it not been for the able manner in which our town Councillors Townley and Lewis pressed their suit, there is little room to doubt but what the result of our application woiPd have ended in disappointment. Tak’ng a comprehensive view of the case, it seems most difficult to understand how any Councillor could be found so obtuse upon a point which requires nothing to recommend it beyond the simple fact that, by the outlay of £250, they secure the expenditure of £3,000 in the district. This alone should entitle the matter to the fullest support on all sides, and, did we not know those gentlemen who voted against it to be totally incapable of petty jealousy, we certainly should have taxed them with some such unworthy motive when, in the face of such palpable benefits accruing from so small an effort, they persistently opposed the motion. On the other hand, we must compliment Cr. Westbup for having, immediately he grasped the simple facts of the question, at once changed his position, and gave his utmost support and advocacy to the motion. There cannot be a doubt but what the Bridge is the beginning of a great work in the future; but it is sufficient to point out one of the immediate benefits attending its construction to justify the small outlay—viz., the facility which such a structure will give for obtaining tolerable road metal at a reasonable price. If we go on in the future as we have gone on in the past, we shall always be in financial difficulties. Almost before the last portion of a new road is finished being metalled with the present material the first portion again wants repairing; but if we had even tolerable metal the roads would last for years, and so afford an opportunity to construct new ones. The Kaiti Island metal may perhaps leave something better to be. wished for, but at the same time it will certainly offers a partial solution to the metaf difficulty. Then, again, the Bridge is on the main line of road, and must therefore assist in opening up the district. One of the main arguments urged against it by its strongest opponent—that there was no dray traffic over the river—will quickly disprove itself when once the bridge is constructed. After hearing some of the simple questions asked while discussing this question, w r e would strongly advise some gentlemen before sitting down at the Board to spend a half-hour in purusing the Public Works Act, and thereby save the time of the Council and their own breath. It is astonishing that many public men, who take upon themselves great responsibilities, should take such little pains to make themselves acquainted with even the simplest bearings of the questions which they are called upon to discuss and decide. If they were to adopt our suggestion, it would undoubtedly tend to redound to their individual honor as well as to the public benefit.