The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) |
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Thursday 13 June 1901
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THE PYRMONT BRIDGE.
A deputation representing the residents and in- dustries around Blackwatle Bay, Pyrmont Bay,
Denison, Balmain, Glebe, and other western suburbs waited upon the Minister for Public Works yesterday to protest against the proposal to remove the new structure being erected to replace the old Prymont Bridge. The deputation was introduced by Mr. S. Smith, late member for Sydney-Pyrmont Division, and there were also present Mr. W. W. Davis, late member for Bourke, and Mr. Hogue, late member for the Glebe. After Mr. Smith had ex- plained the object of the deputation,
The Minister for Works said that since the control of the foreshores of the harbour as well as the har- bour itself had been taken over by the Harbour Trust, and this question of the new Pyrmont Bridge had come under notice, he had instructed Mr. J. Davis, Under-Secretary for Works, to see what could be done to meet the wishes of the Harbour Trust, and at the same time to conserve the interests of the people interested in the new bridge. It might simplify matters if Mr. Davis explained by means of the plans exhibited what was suggested should be
done in the matter.
Mr. Davis said that since he had received instruc- tions from the Minister to look into the matter, and to consider especially the objections raised by the Harbour Trust to the Sydney approach to the new bridge, he had given the subject most care- ful consideration. The Harbour Trust was asked to state what it required for wharfage pur- poses, and it was found that if they were allowed an opening of 100ft. wide under the approach to the new bridge on the Sydney side, so as to form a continuation of Wharf-street, their requirements would be met with. The task of the Public Works Department was to comply with that request, and, at the same time, to accommodate the heavy traffic that flowed between the city of Sydney and the Western Suburbs. It was found that in order to give the 100ft. opening under the Sydney side approach to the bridge, it would be necessary to raise the approach so as to
make it " tail out " at Sussex-street. The effect of doing that would be that there would be no approach to Wharf-street on the northern side of the approach to the bridge as provided at present. It was proposed to make this new approach to the bridge on the south side of the present one, or, what would be still better, some two or three chains south of the present approach. The new proposals had been gone into in a hurry, and before any alteration could be made in the plan it would, he presumed, be necessary to have the con- currence of the Harbour Trust. It seemed to him that the proposed alteration in the level of the approach to the new bridge would get over the nasty pinch which, it was complained, would otherwise exist on the Sydney approach as originally designed.
The Minister for Works said that after hearing
the explanation of Mr. Davis, it seemed to him (Mr. O'Sullivan) that it would be wise for the deputation to allow the matter to rest until he had consulted with the Harbour Trust upon the new proposals. The Harbour Trust and Railway Com- missioners were anxious to remove the bridge in order to permit of the construction of a railway around the shores of Darling Harbour, as well as to build a road 100ft. wide. In addition to that, the Harbour Trust wished to make the harbour free
for navigation. That body was entrusted with the important task of remodelling the wharfs of Darling Harbour, and he felt bound to consult them before any further steps were taken. The Harbour Trust was dealing with the future of a great port, and asserted that it was essential to have a railway around Darling Harbour, as well as a roadway 100ft. wide. He understood the Railway Commissioners
agreed with that view, hence the matter was one that would have to be very carefully considered.
Mr. S. Smith said that as to the bridge impeding navigation, he would like to point out that under the modern system of constructing vessels, they prac- tically had no masts, hence the height of the new bridge would not impede navigation. It would be a serious matter if the bridge were abolished, because it would compel business people to make a long de- tour, and thus add to the cost of their production.
Mr. R. Saunders said he thought it would be a great mistake to have the bridge shifted. Before many years they would require two bridges, one at Bat- hurst-street and the other at Market-street. It would take 10 years to fill up the harbour above the Pyr- mont Bridge, so that at any rate the new bridges could be used during that time. If people were compelled to go round by Bathurst-street it would add another shilling per ton to cartage.
Messrs. Warburton, Gelding, and Binns also spoke strongly and forcibly in favour of the completion of
the new bridge.
The Minister for Works said ge desired to do every- thing in the best interests of the public. He ap-
proached the matter without any bias to either one side or the other. He would consult the Harbour Trust Commissioners on the subject ; but before he came to a decision he would see the deputation again,
so that it would have a further opportunity of con-
sidering whether or not the new proposals were satis-
factory.