MANAWATU RIVER BRIDGE.

Shannon News, 17 January 1928, Page 2

MANAWATU RIVER BRIDGE.

COMPLETION BEFORE MARCH 31.

COUNCIL TO URGE ROAD CONSTRUCTION.

Further steps in the financing of the new bridge over-the Manawatu river, on the Shannon-Foxton Main Highway were discussed'.at the meeting of the Horowlietiua County Council on Saturday. The chairman of the Highways Board (Mr F. W. Furkert) forwarded a copy of a clause included in the Local Legislation Act, 1927, giving the Council power to borrow its proportion of the cost of the bridge and the approach roads without taking a poll of the ratepayers. The writer stated he would be glad If the Council would make the necessary arrangements to pay its proportion of of the bridge into the Public Account as early as possible. The work was well under way, and the contractor expected to complete the work in accordance with the contract before March 31st next. Tn regard to the approach roads, the Board realised that these should be pushed o)i to be completed in conjunction with the bridge, but the limitation of finances precluded the Board from making sufficient provision to construct the approach roads this year. If, however, the Council*B contribution —first of all to the bridge and secondly to the approach roads—was forthcoming at an early date, and before the end of the financial year, steps would be taken to have the approach roads put in hand.

The chairman remarked that the Board had a principle whereby a local body did the work first and received the'money afterwards; and sometimes it was not obtained very readily. The Council had been as much as £II,OOO behind on occasions, and had had to pay bank interest on the money. He waited in Wellington for nearly a week for the money, and would not leave till he got it* For this the Council had only estimates to deal with and wanted to* know what the actual cost was. The estimate was £23,000, but they had not. been informed what the contract price for the bridge was. He moved that authority be given to himself and the County Clerk to take the matter'up, with the authorities, secure definite information,-/and report to - the Council; also to represent to the Board the necessity for going on with the road. Or. Rvder seconded the motion.

Cr. Barber said it was understood that men recently discharged from Marigahao were to be employed on the road.

The chairman stated that'if the matter wtrs going to be one for a County .oati. it would open up a very wide subject for this county. It might happen that the scheme would' have to be amended. Until he had discussed the matter with the Board, he was not iu a position to say anything. The motion was carried. -

The Shannon Borough Council forwarded a letter in reply to the County Council’s request for the former body’s subsidies to the construction of the bridge and the approach road —viz., £BSO and £SOO respectively. The Town Clerk stated that it was mentioned at the Borough Council meeting that the County. Cauna 1 would be raising an amount in this connection, and that arrangements might be made with the County Council to include the Borough’s contribution in the County’s loan. It was desired that this suggestion be placed before the County Couucil for consideration.

The chairman said there were a good many aspects of this matter which would have to be thoroughly considered before any reply could be given to the Shannon Borough, lie suggested that in the meantime the letter be referred to the Finance Committee, with instructions-to report to the next meeting of the Council. The Clerk and himself would interview the Highways authorities and ascertain the position of various matters in connection with the road and bridge construction. On the motion of Or. Catley, seconded by Cr. Bryant, it was decided that the letter be referred to the Finance Committee for a report to the Council.