THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1910. THE NORTHERN APPROACH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 982, 28 February 1910, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1910. THE NORTHERN APPROACH.

The Masterton Chamber or Commerce are to be congratulated upon the discussion that took place at their meeting on Friday last, when Mr Donald Donald brought up the Northern approach question. In a recent | issue Mr Donald wrote on the question, practically, what he said at Friday's meeting, ana on that occasion we expressed the opinion that the whole question should be carefully considered by those vitally interested in it. As a matter of fact it is pretty clear that Masterton has "gone to sleep" on the Northern approach question, and Mr Donald is now doing his best to wake the town up. We that he will succeed in his efforts, and we are, therefore, Riad to note the feeling of the Chamber of Commerce in the matter. It sfens to us tnat the argum msof those wrm desire to s< e a reinforced concrete] bridgp in place of wooden structures j are unanswerable. Wooden bridges j are becoming everywhere, j but in the backblocks they may still I be very suitable, juat as suspension '< bii : fc .ts prove excellent in every w^y

in certain circumstances. For in- 1 stance, Mr J. Dawson, who recently ] contributed a letter in these columns in support of Mr Donald's views, has won fame with the success of the suspension bridge that he has designed, and he could, no doubt, .if asked, build a similar bridge at the Northern approach, but he would tell you that it was utterly unsuitable for the purpose. The position is similar with the wooden structures, which, it appears, the County Council are anxious tD erect. A material more last- | ing than wood should be utilised, and J

one bridge, if it is reasonably possible, should be constructed in place of two. If, as has been alleged, the County Council are not anxious to consult the wishes of all who are interested in the work, we must confess \ that we cannot understand their attitude. The work is of much more importance to Masterton and Lansdowne than to any other parts of the rated i district, and the Borough is, of course, contributing a large sum to the cost of the work. The interests of all ratepayers have, of course, to be considered in carrying out the work, but while admitting this it must he further conceded that the ratepayers of Masterton and Lans- i downe are chiefly concerned. We can ! see no objection why the engineers to the bounty and Borough Councils should not jointly formulate a scheme for general approval, but it this can not be arranged, the services of a consulting engineer should be obtaini ed. The work is one of importance, and if the County Council are not prepared to meet the requirements of the

ratepayers in carrying it out, it would be much better if it were in? i definitely postponed. The present [ position appears to be as follows. On the one hand the County Council say: We intend to replace the structures by two more wooden structures, and the cost will he about £6,000. On the other hand the Chamber of Commerce, which may fairly be : considered as being representative of the ratepayers of Masterton and Lansdowne, urge th »t concrete instead of timber should be used, as the former material is, practically, everlasting, and in addition presents a better appearance.- Further, they ask that the advisability < f erecting one bridge instead of two should be gone into carefully, for if this can be done it is ovbious that various benefits would immediately accrue. Furthermore, those who are opposed to the County Council'* plan contend that if their (views are given effect to a considerable saving of the ratepayers' money will be effected. We trust that the County Council will agree to re-open the question, and that a satisfactory 1 finality will be reached at an early i date.