SHARE BRIDGE “FARCE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 694, 20 June 1929, Page 6

SHARE BRIDGE “FARCE”

DEVQWORT COUNCILLOR CRITICAL vote: to association “This scheme of the Harbour Bridge Association is an absolute farce,’’ declared Cr. W. S. Campbell at tht* Devonport Borough Council’s meeting last evening. “The bridge would link up Northcote and would be of no use to Devonport.” Mr. Oaynpbell was opposing a motion by Cr. it'yre to vote £lO 10s to the association. He disagreed with the estimated costs of the scheme, and said that, in the l\forth of England, a steel bridge not nearly as pretentious as that suggested tor the Waitemata was built almost alongside steel works. In Auckland where most of the steel would have* to be imported, the association was s trying that a bigger bridge would cost only half. Cr. Cassels-Brown scioonded the motion, saying that the roal issue would be jßridge v. Ferries, atad the bridge inquiry should see the association ■with the money to fightv its case. FERRY CRITIC.ISM Cr. Hislop remarked tlmt some of the criticism of the ferries nvas totally unwarranted. The company Rad given a remarkably fine service to Devonport and all North Shore. It appeared now that the association did iht>t want any help to build the bridge! either from the Government or the* Highways Board. If Northcote, wlnwre the bridge was most likely to go, would vote only £3 3s. why should ifevonport give more?

Cr. E. H. Little moved an amendment for £5 ss. He considered ihe ferries excellent, but any alternatfjsve should be explored.

The Mayor, Mr. E. Aldridge, wtAo supported Cr. Hislop to the extent ctf saying that much of the propaganda, against the ferries was not warranted, said that the ferries were vital to Devonport, and the ferry Interests shonld not be antagonised. He was not a rabid advocate of the bridge, but wanted the scheme thoroughly examined. The vote of £5 5s was carried.