AMALGAMATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 937, 9 July 1903, Page 4

AMALGAMATION.

AND THE PROPOSED BRIDGE, At the Borough Council meeting on Tuesday evening Cr Morrison asked whether it was intended to do anything in regard to the proposed now bridge aoross the' Taruhcru. Cr Lysnar said that brought in the subject of amalgamation, and he moved that a letter be written to the Minister of Justice asking him to give effect to tho petition Bent some time ago. Cr Whinray seconded the motion, saying that many were now coming round to amalgamation. Cr Morrison thought one subject should not interfere with the other. He thought the bridge should not interfere with amalgamation. Cr Miller supported the motion, saying that some one at the head of affairs had not treated them well. The Mayor said the petition was not from the Council at all. Cr Lysnar: But we had representatives on the committee, and have sent asking for a reply. Cr Somervell thought they should rouse up the committee to take action, Cr Lysnar said the committee wanted support. He would agree to the motion being sent through the Amalgamation Committee. The motion was agreed.to in that form. Cr Morrison then moved that steps be taken to raise a loan for the construction of the proposed bridge. Cr Somervell said there was the land and other questions to consider. The Mayor said a district would have to be set out, and ascertain if they agreed to it.

Cr Somervell thought a committee should be set up.

The Mayor: There is onef of which you are a member. Cr Somervell said he thought the committee had not concluded its labors. They should investigate the subject, finding out the cost, the way to set about providing the funds and whether the people were agreeable. The Mayor said there was not merely the cost of construction ; there was that of maintenance. During the past ten years maintenance had cost £2OOO, £2OO a year. There were the rating and other questions. The Whataupoko people should

decide their rating district, and it might be that a portion of the borough ratepayers would object to be rated for the work. The committee had many things yet to ascertain.

Cr Lysnar said that without amalgamation the borough took the burden of the loan, and the country bore a share of the cost to be decided on. If they put it to tho Borough ratepayers they would reject it. First he thought they should ask the County Council to obtain an estimate from their engineer-, and then with amalgamation they would get it. They did not realise the necessity for amalgamation until they went into these things. The cost to tho amalgamated district would be nothing to the great benefit. They should obtain an estimate and in the meantime push on amalgamation. Cr Whinray thought the committee should have support in the matter. He did not want to seethe question burked. The committee should have the solicitor’s advice as to the steps to take. It was time thoy “faced the music.” A bridge at the upper end of the town would be a great boon.

After discussion as to finances it was agreed to write to the County Council askfor that body to provide plans and estimates for a bridge at Roebuck roacL^ Cr Johnston said that he thought the bridge should not be as high up as Roebuck road.