THE CLYDE TOWN COUNCIL, THE BRIDGE, AND THE FERRY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 281, 19 June 1873, Page 6

THE CLYDE TOWN COUNCIL, THE BRIDGE, AND THE FERRY.

(To the Editor.)

Sib, — There is an old saying that between two ntools a person or question may fall to the ground. Its truth is likely to be exemplified iv so far as there is little sign of having any more convenient mode of crossing heavy traffic at the Dunstan than hetherto, at least, for some time to come. But to illustrate a little further the real position of affairs, and to put it into real parliamentary language, so that it may bo understood. The fact is, that the Clyde Council has of late been attempting to suckle twa calves — the one is the bridge, which they desire to claim as their legitimate offspring, and which has been suckled at the expense of the engineor's estimate of its cost, and a request that the Government would give them the first right of construction, and then they quietly composed themselves to sleep ; the other is the owner of the punt, who they afterwards promised a share of the surplus milk to the amount of d 650, if he would enlarge his punt for heavy traffic. These conditions at first seem to have met bis approval, for material now lies ready to complete the work ; but ho now would stem to have a dread that tho young and favored suckling will soon arrive at maturity, and deprive him of the tolls, whereby he hoped to realize his profits. How, that; he whom they have long looked on as a refractory alien should have been promised the aid of the Council, is almost a mystery ; but probably at the time they were but half awake, or in a state of somnambulism. Their past history will show it 13 long since they pulled in the same boat. They have often accused him of not attending properly to the punt, and on this charge at one time it would have been hard to defend him ; and they also encouraged aud promised their support to another, if he would also put his punt on their water, but the accusations of the Council have not been the only source of annoyance to Mao. There has accumulated a large bank of shingle in the place where the punt formerly crossed, and several schemes wero tried, all of which were failures until tho punt was j shifted to its present site ; but these alterations have caused Donald (no doubt with a sigh) to dip bis hand pretty deep into the long stocking, for the traffic in these days will nofc recoup a large outlay ; but now, 1 1 believe, his worst enemies will credit him with desiring to accommodate, the public, considering the difficulties he has had to contend against, and such may have been the reasons for the Council voting the promised £50, or else they may have thought that that part of the support they preferred to the opposition punt of twelve months hence was due, even to him who overmatched them in fcbeir arrangements. Without attempting to throw any obstacle in the way of the bridge, I do not think that even Donald himaelf would do that; but that he an-1 the public may be relieved from a stale of uncertainty, I would strongly recommend him not to leave a half finished job. Having got the material, get* the punb enlarged as quickly as possible and pocket the £50; and aa Jje is not without a friend at.

head quarters, let him draw their attention to keeping well in repair the Tuapeka, road and to get the portion made by Conroys, and he will have his money back and a good profit made before even all the coaxing, or tho gentle reproving, or the persuasive powers of the Dunstan press will succeed in arousins the sleeping Councillors.—l am , &c, An M.P. xn Disguise.