FITZHERBERT BRIDGE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7629, 22 January 1903, Page 2

FITZHERBERT BRIDGE.

The Report. A New Bridge Recommended.

At the meeting of tbe Borough Council on Tuesday evening the report of Me Metcalfe, the engineer engaged to report on the Fitzherberfc bridge, was received. At tbe outset the report stated that the bridge needed strengthening, but that no hing could bo gained by adding more than one 85ft span. Ie was considered by Mr Metcalfe that it would not be a difficult matter to confioe the river to its present width. The points to be aimed at were to keep the river to a fairly uuiform width and to prevent it working into curves, which deflect the course of the stream. Willows should at once bo planted in several paces indicated by Mr Metcalfe; groins would not be necessary o.i the Fitzherbert side, audit would n~t be necessary to purchase land ; protective works would be to the advantage of the owners. Necessary work will take six months to complete, and the present unsafe ironbark pile pier should be strengthened against floods in the meantime. The watermains should also be placed out of the reach of moderate freshes. ! In reply to the chairman Mr Metcalf I gave a rough idea of the cost of the work. The piers would cost a little over .£IOOO a-piece, and tho spans half that amount. He thought it was better to put down a fresh set of cyclinders. The piers were not of a uniform width. They wore not high enough up fur a street bridge. For his own part he would not be disposed to spend too much money on it. A new one would noS cost more than £20,000. It was, ; therefore, hardly wise to spend a good deal of money on it now. Or Jack . thought that if they could get a new steel bridge, for a sum from £15,000 to £20,000 it would be far better than to apf-nd £5000 on repairing the present structure. Cr Edwards pointed out that at present they were in danger of losing the whole of tho one span, and there was also a danger of having tho water cut off. Cr Jack still contended that the question of erecting a steel bridge was worthy of consideration, If a pubic meeting were held and a vote takeu on the subject he was confident tho ereciion of a new bridge would be approved. Ultimately, on the motion of Cr Cooke, seconded by Cr Huydon, the following resolution was carried :—" Mr Metcalfe be ask d to supply an estimate of tho cost ot the whole work, and prepare plans and specifica'ions ; and that | the County be inforimd of the oonne I adopted." |