BRIDGE OVER THE PATEA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 66, 17 November 1915, Page 3

BRIDGE OVER THE PATEA.

ARIEL v. CORDELIA STREETS. A SCHOOL COMMITTEE PETITION. At last night's meeting of the School Committee, F. J- McDonald said he had visited the site for the proposed new footbridge over tin* ]>atea at Cordelia Street or Ariel Street, and after due consideration, he thought that Cordelia Street was the more suitable spot. He was thinking of the children, and be wag sure that the through street was the most convenient.

Mr Ward said it was a waste to put a footbridge at Cordelia Street, a s in about five years it would have to be renewed, and a traffic bridge erected in its place. Tn his opinion, Ariel Street was the more suitable. Mr HancocTc: "We heard that a traffic bridge would lie needed ten years ago. He said a petition had been taken around advocating a bridge to be placed east of the line at a spot where the Council thought most suitable, but not on e signature could be obtained. He wanted to see the bridge erected where the people wished. A fresh petition was drawn up, specifying Cordelia Street, and fifty-two residents should be considered ' before two or three who would use the bridge mainly to gain access to the howling green. Two residents out of lour residing on Ariel Street, signed the petition in favor of erecting the bridge at Cordelia Street. The Chairman (Mr Skoglund) said he was interested from the school children's point of view, not the howlers. The matter of a bridge had been thrashed out by the Committee years ago, and Ariel Street was considered the most suitable, as it practically passed the river at the school gates. Ariel Street was the most convenient to erect the bridge for the people on the south side of the river. The petition which was presented to the Council contained the signatures of residents on Cordelia Street or east of that street, barring those of two residents who lived on Ariel Street. If a petition was taken around amongst the householders, who thought of the convenience of a bridge to their children, he was sure two hundred names could be gathered, whereof only fifty-two were received for Cordelia Street. Mr F. J- McDonald said a petition should be drawn up for the residents to sign, and he would abide by what they considered the best place to erect the bridge. The petition, \\h#n completed, should be presented to the Council.

Mf McMillan said he was not in favour of taking the petition round. It should be deposited at the Secretary's office, an advertisement inserted in the newspaper, and if the householders did not then sign it. they did not greatly want n bridge. Mr Hancock said the petition for Cordelia Street had been circulated amongst the householders on the south side .of the river. ... >■■•- I,' The Chairman said the petition was not taken to his .place, and in his opinion it was not taken to people who favoured the other place.

Mr Hancock pointed out that Cordelia Street Was a through street, and the reason the petition was not taken, to Mr Skoglund's'plaee was because lie lived close to the Broadway bridge. He said* visitors to the town would not expect to find a bridge on' a blind street. Ariel Street or Juliet Street would suit him best, but he was considering, the wishes of the people and not his own selfish ends. The Chairman said that only six or seven years ago the >♦ rough Council decided to erect a bridge at Orlando Street, but owing t<> the expense, it was turned down.

Mr Hancock asked exactly where the Chairman wanted the bridge erected. The Chairman said Ariel Street. The approach to the \ bridge would '• not have to go through a reserve. ':' Mr P. J. McDonald moved and Mr W. McDonald seconded: That a.petition to be presented to the Council be drawn up and deposited in the Secretary's office, each signatory to state where he wished the bridge to be erected.—Carried. Mr Hancock said the most convenient place: for the -children, was Juliet Street. '. „ Mr, Fookes said the.matter of erecting a'b'ridgej shouldibe left to.a more opportune time.