BRIDGE OVER WAIKATO

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 883, 29 January 1930, Page 10

BRIDGE OVER WAIKATO

NEW PROPOSAL DISCUSSED CONFERENCE AT HAMILTON From Our Own Correspondent HAMILTON, Tuesday. Proposals for erecting another bridge across the Waikato River at Hamilton were discussed at a conference of representatives of the Hamilton Borough Council, and Waikato and Waipa County Councils, today. The Mayor, Mr. J. R. Fow, presided. Mr. Fow said congestion and stock difficulties would be solved if the proposed bridge was erected. If constructed near the present No. 1 bridge at Whitiora, as proposed, it would be out of borough territory, and therefore in the Waikato County. The Highways Board would contribute toward a bridge in the county, and it would not do so for one in the borough. Harmonious co-operation was to be greatly desired, and the borough would pay its full share. Mr. T. Hinton, chairman of the Waikato County Council, said he realised that another bridge would soon be necessary. His council would pay its share. Mr. S. C. Mac Kay, chairman of the Waipa County Council, said the construction of another bridge was of little importance to his county. A stock bridge north of the No. 1 bridge would mean more traffic on his county’s roads, thus entailing additional expense. However, the Waipa County Council would pay that. The respective merits of a bridge at; the No. 1 bridge site, outside the borough, and one above Rostrevor Street, within, the borough, were discussed. The borough engineer, Mr. R. Worley, said the river at the northern site was fairly narrow. A bridge there would be about 20 feet over the surface level, and would cost about £14,000. South of Rostrevor Street the height would be about 90 feet, while compensation to pfopertyowners -would he very high. The cost would he approximately £50,000. It was decided to form a subcommittee, comprising the Mayor and the chairmen of the two county councils, to go into the question of apportioning the expense should a bridge be erected near the site of the No. 1 bridge. In the meanwhile, the proposal is to be placed before meetings of the county councils.