VICTORIA BRIDGE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 49, 22 October 1912, Page 7

VICTORIA BRIDGE.

THE ORIGINAL MOTION TO STAND. Victoria Br.dgc was The subject oi a brisk, but good-natured discussion by the Borough Council last night at a special meeting, when Councillor King moved that a previous resolution to spend £6OOO on the bridge lor u idening, etc. be rescinded. / In moving the motion, Councillor King said lie hud been led to take this action on account of a remark by Councillor Thompson anent the neglected south. Placing this money on the loan schedule had never been asked for by the ratepayers. Ho did not think that it was a wise thing to spend such a large sum of money until the traffic became congested Road works and drainage were necessary, but spending £6OOO on the bridge was out of the question. The whole bridge would have to be shifted and re-erected in another position, and il would cost altogether £BOOO. Regarding the “neglected south,” he claimed that he had always treated that side fairly. Moreover, he contended that the south had been given a square deal, and had received its full share of expenditure. He quoted figures in support of this contention, amid interruptions from Councillor Healy. On the face of this, the south wanted a now bridge. How would it benefit them P If the traffic had been congested, if he thought for one memoir, that it would benefit anybody in tin least, he would vote for it. At the present time, however, he was firmlj of opinion that it was unnecessary. He sincerely trusted that his motion would be carried, as the inclusion oi the bridge in the street construction and drainage loan would moan' tin throwing out of the whole proposal at the ballot box. He did not want his rates raised for luxuries, and did not want to see the ratepayers paying £3OO to £4OO a year for an unnecessary bridge. Councillor McAllister seconded the motion. They were all anxious to dc their best for the Borough, but lie wat sure that no one could hold that thif was in the best interests of the ratepayers. Councillor Boon stated that there would be “no loan if the bridge went on.” He was absolutely sure of this. They were turning down requests fot water, and yet contemplated such an expenditure. This was purely a case of half-a-dozen men, who had properh near the bridge, endeavouring to trade on the Borough. He considered the bridge should be a separate issue. Councillor Ward regretted the introduction into the Council of the “north and south business.” Personally, he thought that the bridge was necessary. The ratepayers in the south were to a man in sympathy with the bridge proposal. He thought, however, the issue should be a separate one on the.-voting papers. Conn cillor King might have brought up a scheme whereby the bridge should be made absolutely.,safe for,smalLchihlren. Councillor King: There’s never been an accident there! Councillor Ward continued that if the majority of the ratepayers were against the proposal no harm would be done. They had the opinions of experts and there would be no further expenditure entailed. The drainage, the water, the bridge, and the street construction should all be separate issues.

Councillor Dingle said that it would be far better to widen the bridge, and make it sound and solid and have it for all time. He referred to the proposed expenditure on Juliet Street, and said that that was a luxury if ever there was one. With regard to the congestion of traffic, he was of the opinion that those Councillors who said there was no congestion of traffic, had never been near the bridge. Councillor McAllister: Dr. Paget said the 'traffic was not congested. Councillor Dingle went on to say that a good bridge, to last all time, was necessary. He was as strong now on this point as he had been sixteen years ago. Councillor Healy said lie was much surprised to sec Councillor King, as a good Liberal, trying to have this matter settled by the Council, and opposing its going forward to the ratepayers. The same Councillor was in favour of spending £IO,OOO on a drainage scheme for the north-eastern portion of the Botough, a scheme that would benefit seventeen ratepayers. (Chorus of dissent.) The Mayor remarked that he was of the same opinion now, as he had been at first. The bridge was more of a desirability than necessity. Holding this view, ho intended to support Councillor King’s motion. On a show of hands, the motion war lost by six votes to four.