ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 901, 25 July 1879, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

The bridge contractors are making a good show of work—a largo number of men arc employed preparing et-ono for the piers on both aides of t-ho river, ami on tbo west side the foundation is being levelled, and a road-way being made to it. Ou the cast bank, a great deal of energy is directed to the pier foundation, and as it will have to be sunk a distance of ten or twelve feet below the present water level, it can bo assumed it will be no easy matter. Every-

thing that human ingenuity can conceive is being done—a substantial, dam bank composed of bags filled with sand, backed up again with sand and gravel is firmly set to withstand the How of tho river water in the event of a rise, while two ten-inch pumps, driven by a steam engine are to be employed in pumping out the drainage When on the ground the other day the engine an I pumps wore being placed in position, and from what I could hear great things are expected of them, that is, it is thought they, the engine and pumps, will be of sufficient strength to successfully deal with the water that will he met with. The river is keeping remarkably low, as if to give the contractors a chance to make a good start this season, but I am somewhat afraid unless they put their right leg foremost a rise in the river will occur before they are ready for it, ami'thus put them hack till next year, a little extra good luck, backed by a large amount of veil directed energy avU pull them through, and if good wishes vTO aid them, and I am fully persuaded they have a full quota of that, they will succeed, and Alexandra will he able to boast of having, if not the most expensive, at all events the handsomest bridge structure in Otago. In consequence of the large gangs of men employed on the bridge works, business is looking brisk, and an impetus is given to all brunches of trade 1 notice a considerable amount of the flat adjoining the township is being fenced, in areas of from three to live acres. While speaking of fencing, it will he a pity if the Municipal authorities, now they have secured the reserve adjoining the Town boundary, allow the present season to pass by, and nt utilise it in whole or in nart—a few pome's —Say a hundred or two— expended in fencing and planting would, in the course of a few years, handsomely repay the outlay. A good deal of trouble was gone to to secure it, and the very least that can now he done is to put it to some use, I am sure 1 lint exp-css the minds of iheinajmitv of the residents in urging this on, and I shall persist in harping on this ‘subject till I sen that a move is ma le. With the large yearly revenue the town has, amounting io something like I.dnO from one source ami another, and the very trifling outlay there is necessary on roads, the want of funds can ho no excuse, and the work should he proceeded with at once, Bv the live I notice that the Council have resolved to levy a shilling rate for this year.