DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XI, Issue 898, 26 March 1878, Page 3

DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS.

WHANGAMARBSTO BRIDGE. A deputation from the Waika f o County Council, consisting of Mr Claude and three members, wailed on the Government on Tuesday to represent the dangerous condition of this structure. Mr Claude stated the circumstances which made it necessary to bring this matter under the notice of the Government. The Bridge has become so dangerous that considerable responsibility devolved upon those who kept it open for general traffic in its present condition. The situation of the bridge in relation to the local authorities, whose duty it would be to keep it in repair was peculiar. Practically the bridge formed the boundary between the Waikato County and the Manukau County But, strictly speaking, the statutory boundary between the two counties is the middle of the stream. But the Manukau County had declined co work the Counties .-let — or, as it is termed, "hung up the Act," and consequently could not devote any money to the repair or reconstruction of the bridge if necessary. The extensive character of the work required to be and the fact that the Colonial Government was for the present the custodian of the funds to be distributed (subject to certain deductions), to the several Councils which had not adopted the Counties Act, made it necessary for the Waikato Council to seek the present interview with the members of the Government now in Auckland. The real question was to find the money nocessary to place this bridge in a condition of safety.

The Defence Minister said the subject was a proper one to have brought under the notice of the Government. It was of great importance that such a highway should be kept free and sate for traffic. The Government would have the structure at once inspected and reported upon, with a view to doing what might be necessary to place it in a condition of perfect safety for traffic. The source from which the money was to come presented, at first site, some little difficulty. There was a fund, however, from which the money might be drawn. A sum of ,£4O 000 had been voted for roads and works, and this sum was distribuled among the County Councils and Road Boards. If the Council and local Boards directly interested in this work would agree to appropriate their snare of this fund to the repair or reconstruction of such an important work, there would be no difficulty whatever in proceeding with the work. The Government had the power to take measures for the safety of the public, a-nd this position would c»Sfc upon it the duty

of doing the work necessary, and deducting the cost from the sums distributed to the local authorities immediately responsible in equitable proportion.