THE HARBOUR BRIDGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 146, 10 September 1927, Page 8

THE HARBOUR BRIDGE

Sir, — Your correspondent “Demos’* says the bridge is necessary to serve a population of between 20,000 and 30,000 directly dependent on our local secondary industries.” This is a misrepresentation. Both the population and the manufactories are dependent upon the Dominion’s primary production. Again, he says I am “obsessed with the idea that all New Zealand should do is to raise millions of tons of produce for export, with as little population as possible and then pile up millions of tons of imported merchandise in its place.” This is the funniest dreamstuff I have ever read. When “Demos” sets out to explain what my ideas are why does he not, like an honest man, quote me in proof? I do not favour primary any more than secondary industry, but both equally. For instance, I oppose tariff-shelter to wheat just as much as to boots. The bridge material should be the most suitable for the purpose, and should be obtained in the cheapest possible market, irrespective of the latitude and longitude of such market. Supposing, for the sake of argument this market were in the South Island, would “Demos” object to | obtaining it there? If not, why not? It would then be “imported” material so far as Auckland is concerned, and would (according to some people) result in “sending the money out of the province.” C. H. N.