Bridge Rammed by Tug

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 39, 16 February 1937, Page 4

Bridge Rammed by Tug

SPAN BROKEN IN HALVES GREYMOUTH, Feb. 12. The Greymouth Harbour Board’s paddle-steamer tug Westland, while in the act of leaving the Blaketown Lagoon wharf this morning, rammed tho Blaketown Lagoon foot-bridge, toTaliy dislocating a 50ft. span and cutting off communication with Blaketown township by that route. It is hoped to restore communication to-morrow. The tug was setting out from her berthage at about 10 o’clock to take soundings on the Grey river bar. The usual procedure is to reverse the engines before turning, but it is stated that by some mischance tho engines were put ahead. There was no time to chock the headway of the vessel, and with a resounding crash her stem rammed the bridge, smashing in half tho two 50ft. ironbark stringers on which the superstructure rested, and taking with it the docking and rails. When the tug was stopped she was occupying the place previously occupied by the bridge. The portion of the bridge smashed was that nearest the wharf, and, fortunately, there were no piles under* neatli it, this span, being of the suspension type for removal when it is ’desired to take tho dredge Mawhera or the tug farther into the lagoon entrance. Had the tug struck tho further portion of the bridge damage would probably have been caused to her hull by the piles. The tug, however, was not damaged. Luckily no pedestrian was on the bridge at the time of tho accident. The work of clearing away the debris was immediately commenced, and it is hoped to replace tho broken span by to-morrow. Meanwhile it will be necessary for cycle and pedestrian traffic to Blaketown to proceed via Preston road, a more circuitous roure. An inquiry will probably be held by the Harbour Board regarding the mishap.

GOOD BAG. Eb: “Yes, sir, as sure as I sit hero now, I shot that old double barrel at that flock of ducks and I brung down five of them." Zeb (unconcernedly): “Didn't 1 ever tel! you about me huntin’ frogs tho other night? 1 fired at one, and five hundred croaked."