BRIDGE OVER WAIKATO

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 893, 10 February 1930, Page 16

BRIDGE OVER WAIKATO

NEW CROSSING AT HAMILTON

SUPPORT FOR PROPOSAL From Our Own Correspondent HAMILTON, Sunday. Whole-hearted support to the proposal to build a low-level bridge over the Waikato River near No. 1 Bridge at Hamilton was given by a meeting of over 30 ratepayers of the Waikato County held in the Fairfield School last evening. It should he explained that No. 1 Bridge does not span the river, but crosses a stream on the main highway at the borough’s northern boundary. Mr. J. E. Primrose, who presided, pointed out the advantages of a, bridge in this locality to Waikato County ratepayers, and suggested that the meeting should do all in its power to urge the County Council to co-operate with the other contributing bodies. Mr. R. Worley, Hamilton Borough engineer, outlined the proposal, which, he said, provided for a bridge with an 18ft. cariageway and 4ft. footway, to cost about £IB,OOO. The Borough Council was prepared to pay a substantial share of the cost as about four miles would be saved ratepayers crossing over to the business portion of the town. From the economic point of view, it was highly desirable that the bridge went ahead. The welfare of the town and country were identical and the question of relieving the rap-idly-increasing congestion traffic by stock in Hamilton was one of paramount importance. He was confident that if the smaller scheme were rejected the Hamilton Council would seek the sanction of its ratepayers for a high-level bridge in the centre of the town near the Railway Bridge. This would not assist stock, which would have to be limited over the present bridge, so that country ratepayers were vitally concerned. Replying to a question, Mr. Worley said the bridge -would be constructed with steel trusses and concrete piers and abutments. Mr. Walter Chitty, sen., pointed out that Waipa Country, contrary to the opinion expressed by the chairman, would also be considerably benefited by a bridge near Te Rapa, as it would assist breeders and stockmen who attended the big stock sales and shows at Claudelands in large numbers. A resolution endorsing thq scheme was carried unanimously, and a deputation was appointed to press the subject on the Waikato County Council at its meeting on Tuesday.