HOPES FOR 1930

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 891, 7 February 1930, Page 16

HOPES FOR 1930

BRIDGE ASSOCIATION UNDAUNTED

ENTHUSIASM STILL HIGH Whether the report of the Harbour I Bridge Commission proves favourable toward its aims, the Harbour Bridge Association will not slacken its endeavours during 1930. This hope, expressed by Mr G. O’Halloran, was greeted with enthusiasm when the first meeting of the -association for 1930 was held last evening, the president, Mr. R. H. Greville, presiding. “I hope the New Year will see us farther ahead in our project,” Mr. O’Halloran said. “We may congratulate ourselves on our efforts last year, and we have high hopes that the Commission’s report may be favourable to us. Whatever the nature of the report, however, we shall not slacken our endeavours to achieve our aim.” Several points raised by members as being of interest to the commission were discussed, and it was decided to draw the chairman’s attention to them. Mr. W. Parkinson, who had been a member of the Commerce Train party, reported that the bridge project was favourably viewed by farmers and residents in the Far North. Mr. J. Guiniven raised the question of traffic congestion on race days. Had the commission been enlightened as to that question, he wished to know. According to Mr. R. Martin, he had counted 145 vehicles lined up waiting for the vehicular ferry at Devonport on January 29, about 6.20 p.m. At Northcote also there had been more than a boatload waiting. Assurance was given the association by Mr. Greville that the commission had been acquainted of the position. The secretary was instructed to prepare a report of the suggested inadequacies of the present transport system, not only on race days, but also on Sundays, for the information of the commission.

In the opinion of Mr. J. Tonar there were three projects at present before the Government, and one was sure to be commenced during the winter for the alleviation of unemployment. The proposed works were the Whau Canal, the Morningside Tunnel and the Harbour Bridge, and it was the association’s duty to make every endeavour to have the bridge placed first on the list.

Mr. P. J. Dawson notified his resignation from the post of honorary auditor. Pressure of work prevented the carrying out of his duties, his letter explained. He would continue his membership of the association, and his interest would still be alive. The resignation was accepted with regret, and it was decided to appoint Mr. F. S. Eyre to the position. “Mr. Eyre is a member of the Devonport Borough Council and a keen supporter ‘of the bridge scheme,” commented Mr. Greville.