THE BRIDGE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 68, 4 December 1880, Page 2

THE BRIDGE.

It is to be hoped that the adjourned public meeting, in favor of the erection of the bridge over the Waingongoro river, near Normanby, will be held shortly. Whether subscriptions are collected or not, it cannot be denied that any unnecessary delay in pushing on the work ougbt to be avoided if possible. We are sincerely anxious that the work should be done, and done quicldy ; and would suggest that the authorities be urged to reply at once to the letters sent by the chairman, even though specifications and plans of the bridge were not complete. The Public Works Department could easily give an approximate estimate of the cost, without having plans drawn out in detail. Upon inquiry, we learn that some of the settlers are of the opinion that, even if a bridge cannot be now erected, a small expenditure on side cuttings at or near the ford, would enable the Plains traffic to be conducted at a much less expense. We understand, however, that there bave been no less than three lives lost at the ford at different times, and consequently the orossing eannofc be regarded as a safe one. With a considerable body of settlers on the northern bank of the river, many of whom will naturally go to Normanby for their stores and timber, the risk of loss of life during the coming winter will be greater than ever, if this bridge is not ereoted within the next five or six months.