TARUHERU FOOTBRIDGE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 371, 31 October 1889, Page 3

TARUHERU FOOTBRIDGE.

NEW PHASES OF THE WORK.

Owing to the necessity of being prepared for the large river traffic there trill soon be in connection with the freezing works, tenders were called for raising the bridge so as to permit of the launch always getting through without the trouble and expense of swinging the bridge open. Only one tender was received—that of Mr Somervell, for £65. Councillors expressed their surprise at only receiving one tender, and even more surprise at the high price. While the tender was being considered Cr Taylor introduced Mr H. Bull, who wished to have an audience with the Council. He explained that the footbridge had been constructed partly by private subscription, and he as treasurer of tbs fund waa out of packet over it by close upon four pounds. Having beard the Council intended making the alterations be thought it was an oppoitune time to call their attention to a cate of individual hardship. In answer to the Mayor Mr Bull said a certain sum bad been raised by private subscriptions and the deficiency was made up by grants from the local bodies, but instead of costing £225 extras brought the amount to £285, and the ultimate result was that he (Mr Bui ) was out of pocket over it by £3 16s, though both he and his father bad subscribed to the work. He had signed the cheques, but he did not know who was supposed to have control of the bridge now, Rome of those who had promised to pay had failed to do so; otherwise there would hove been no deficiency.

In reply to Cr Lucas, as to why years had passed before the application had been made, Mr Bull said ho hoped they would not have to trouble the Council further, Those who had failed to keep their promise had left the place, and he supposed did not feel called upon to pay, because they were not deriving any benefit from the work. Cr Lucas felt sorry that Mr Bull shou'd be put to a loss, but the application was made ata very inopportune time, when the Council was going to a lot of expense that was not appro handed, through thia bridge being put up, aud the fact was 'hat Mr Bull was asking the Council to make up tha deficiency caused by defaulters. He thought is was those persona who benefited by the bridge should make up the deficiency. The Mayor thought the defaulters ought to be compelled to pay. Cr Whinray agreed with Cr Lucas, He did not come to the Council, if anyone made default In paying him, and ask that the loss he refunded. Mr Bull had himself been as much benefited by the bridge as anyone else. Mr Bull failed to see the logical application of Cr Whinray's remark" in regard to a persun making bad debts, and ha pointed out that they (Mr Bull and relations) had sub. scribed as largely as anyone to the bridge. In reply to Cr Dunlop, Mr Bull saiq those who had not paid had left the district. He bad asked for the money, but when the jeople left there was no further opportunity, Or Dunlop said if they considered the amount should ba refunded, the Council ought only to pay a proportionate share. Cr Lucas said the amount ought to he paid. It was, too, only a few pounds ; but it was not the Council's place to pay it J an appeal should be made to those who benefited by the bridge, Cr Taylor said Mr Bull, with himself and others, had worked hard in the matter, and subscribed money as well, and he thought Mr Bull ought to be supported |n the matter, Ifjthe bodies concerned each contributed the proportion would come less than a pound, Cr Coleman considered that Mr Bull ought to be paid by subscriptions, The Road Board had given a second advance with the stipulation that nothing further should be asked from that body, and he felt sure nothing further would be contributed. Cr Townley said humorously, in reply to Mr Bull’s remark that he did not know whose property the bridge now was, that it would be a good thing to find out, and thus let the Council get out of the expense of making the alterations. He agreed that the case was one in regard to which there should be a refund made by public subscriptions. People who took an interest in public works of the kind did unfortunately sometimes get let in at the finish, but he did not think the Borough Council would be justified in paying anything further. When the construction of the bridge was proposed be felt that the Council had gone to the fullest length in making the grant it had, especially when the County, the residents in which mainly used the bridge, gave such a small sqm, and in other ways the bridge had and would coat the Borough a great deal. The Mayor suggested that the Council refer the matter to the other bodies, considering that the County Council and Road Board were the proper bodies to apply to, and that the request would have more weight coming from the Council than from Mr Bull individually. Cr Lucas strongly objected to such a course, and Cr Lewis said all they had to do was to grant or decline Mr Bull's request, Ha did not think the Council would be justified in paying anything, Cr Coleman repeated that it would be use. less to make application to the Road Board; as that body had already given £lO to make up a deficit. Cr Lucas moved that the Council regret having to decline Mr Bull’s request, as there were no funds for the purpoae. Or Coleman seconded, and the motion was carried, Or Taylor dissenting. There was then a discussion on the tender received, Or Townley saying it was a good deal more than he had anticipated, On examination of the specifications it waa found that a price tor tenders had not been included in the tender,

After further discussion Cr Lucas moved that the matter be left to the Public Works Committee as to whether the tender should be accepted, or what should be done, with power to act in the matter, Cr Lewis seconded.

Cr Townley said they should get the work done as soon as possible, as the bridge would take a lot of attention when the Freezing Company started operations, working wiifi the tides.

Or Lucas saifi he did not suggest any delay. Or Townley gaid they bad waited over three months to get the plane, Cr Coleman thought the plan might be modified.

Cr Whinray was afraid there was no likelihood of that.

The motion was carried, and the Commit? toe decided to on the following mornThe Committee met yesterday morning, Mr Somervell being in attendance. It was agreed that ths omission from the tender made it informal, After consideration it was decided to modify Mr O'Byan’e plan and make the alterations by day labor, the services of Mr Somervell to be secured. It is believed that by this arrangement the coetwill not be much more than £2O,