Bridge Deputation Causes Warm Words

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 375, 8 June 1928, Page 13

Bridge Deputation Causes Warm Words

“AFFRONT TO COMMITTEE” MR. COATES NOT OPPOSED A motion of censure on the deputation which waited on the Prime Minister was proposed at last night’s meeting of the Harbour Bridge Association, but after warm discussion it was not put to the meeting. Mr. G. O’Halloran presided, in the absence of the president, Mr. E. G. Skeates. One of the deputation, Mr. A. Harris, M.P., explained that the Prime Minister was made aware at the outset that the deputation was a private one. When Mr. Coates was in Auckland this week Mr. Harris said he had seen Mr. Skeates, with a view to approaching the Prime Minister, but Mr. Skeates was detained and could not spare the time. Mr. Skeates told him he thought the time was premature to interview Mr. Coates. The speaker, Mr. O’Halloran, Mr. Williamson and other members had then interviewed Mr. Coates as private citizens. '‘As the result of our interview, the harbour bridge has come visibly nearer,” Mr. Harris said. “It has been stated that Mr. Coates was opposed to the project, but as the result of our talk, I am convinced he is not.” Mr. Coates, continued the speaker, had stated that the Government would certainly not find £1,000,000 if that was suggested, As the result of the deputation, there would be more support than opposition from Mr. Coates. Mr. M. Blampied: “I would like to ask Mr. Harris why he approached the Prime Minister when our president was against it. The impression has been left with the people of Auckland that we are getting nowhere. These members have flouted the president. There has been a contravention of all the association’s principles.” “When I read the papers I got the shock of my life,” said Mr. F. E. Powell. “The interview has done the association considerable harm.” Mr. F. W. Grigg: “We may go on for years like this, and never get any further,” he said. “Most of you gentlemen are middle-aged. Do you think the bridge will go up in your lifetime ?” Members: Certainly we do. “The deputation was a direct affront to members of the committee,” said Mr. R. H. Greville. “It has made the committee look farcical.” Mr. A. E. Greenslade declared that the bridge proposal had been ridiculed. The deputation had savoured of electioneering. Mr. O’Halloran said he represented 2,000 ratepayers as a member of the Waitemata County Council, who were all vitally interested in the project.