COUNTY AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 November 1940, Page 7

COUNTY AFFAIRS

SOUTH WAIRARAPA COUNCIL —— “ I NEW BRIDGE OVER TAUERU RIVER. SCHEME TO BE PLACED BEFORE HIGHWAYS BOARD. (“Times-Age” Special.) The business of the Wairarapa South County Council continued after the luncheon adjournment yesterday. A deputation from the Masterton County Council consisting of Councillors G. Lee (chairman), Mawley, Colquhoun and the County Clerk waited upon the council in respect to the building of a new bridge over the Taueru River at Te Whiti. Councillor Court (chairman) informed the deputation that his council had received the new plan of the proposed bridge, and had prior to their arrival discussed the same informally. Councillor G. Lee referred to the amount of traffic which crossed the present Taueru bridge to the Waingawa Freezing Works and to Masterton and other places. The old bridge had seen its best days. He was aware that the Wairarapa County had definitely turned down the Number 2 Scheme previously submitted, and he hoped that the plan now before the two counties would be gone on with. If the old bridge collapsed the burden on the East Coast and Longbush settlers in getting stock to the works and their produce to market would be a heavy one. Councillor Court said although he was in favour of the proposed new bridge it did not seem to be good business to go on with the job during the war period, when they were assured the present bridge had years of use before it.

Councillor Mawley said he was of the opinion that the erection of the bridge was a necessity, and that the bridge should be built as soon as possible. The present structure might lasi a long while, but it was on the cards that it might collapse before a heavy volume of water at any time. He hoped that when the bridge was built it would be erected for the benefit of travellers as well as for slock purposes. The Main Highways Board, he knew, was not keen on the present bridge. Councillor M. .1. McGregor was favourably disposed to the new bridge proposal, and thought that they should approve of the plan. He thought, however that the present bridge would suffice for some time to come. He thought councillors were not taking the war as seriously as they should, and he was not one who would ask for big loans at present. Councillor Cameron said he was in sympathy with the proposal of a new bridge as it would be of great benefit to the Maungarakei settlers. The matter was further discussed after the deputation had withdrawn. The following resolution was passed: “That this council prepare the necessary data setting out details of the new bridge scheme (IA) together with deails of schemes 1. 2. 3 and 4. for a new bridge at Taueru on the Main Highway and consequent road deviations, and submit them to the Main Highway Board for their consideration and suggestions, stating to the board that the Wairarapa and Masterton Councils suggest the No. 1A scheme, and giving reasons which will mainly give access by one road to the coast.” The honorarium of the chairman was fixed at the same amount as last year. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 19.