BRIDGE WANTED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 9 June 1945, Page 4

BRIDGE WANTED

PETITION BEFORE COUNTY COUNCIL ELIMINATION OF FORD AT HOULT'S VALLEY COST ESTIMATED AT £4500 The provision of a bridge across the Wai-iti River at Hoult's Valley was requested by 67 Wai-iti residents in a petition which was considered by the Waimea County Council at its meeting yesterday. A report by the Engineer on the subject was considered and it was resolved that residents be asked what proportion of £4500 the estimated cost of a concrete bridge —they were prepared to find. The report of the Engineer (Mr W. Bullivant) stated: — “I am instructed to report on the cost of a light vehicular traffic bridge over the Wai-iti river at Hoult’s Valley, the bridge to be of somewhat similar construction to the Quail Valley bridge. Estimates as follows were prepared and submitted to the council in 1938: Concrete bridge (250-foot span), £4500; mixed Australian hardwood (250-foot span), £3300; light suspension bridge (3-ton loading, £2500; deviation to connect withTrass’s Valley, £3750; deviation to connect with Trass’s Valley without bridges, £IBSO. “These estimates were taken out following an application by ratepayers in the valley to the Minister of Public Works for a grant to build a bridge and I was instructed by the council to forward a copy of these estimates to the Minister of Public Works and to Mr Charles Cooke, Hoult’s Valley. “An estimate has now been taken out for a traffic bridge, second class loading, at £2600. This figure is subject to adjustment as to bridge approaches when a complete detailed survey has been made. In connection with this estimate the following points should be noted: “(1) Timber is estimated at Sawmillers’ Association prices and when enquiries were made for a similar quantity of timber for the Ohiwhero bridge the millers were not able to quote for the full quantity. It is not anticipated that it will be easy to procure the timber and at the same time keep up stocks for the county’s maintenance work. f “(2) The loading provided for Is second class loading only. Heavier traffic would be required to use the fordway which would have to be maintained for the purpose. Increasing stringer sizes to provide for heavy traffic would cost an additional £3OO for materials and labour.

“(3) The estimate provides for New Zealand timber (birch) and in view of the comments made by the Public Works Department on the proposal to erect a bridge in native timbers over the Shaggery Creek it is doubtful if a subsidy could be obtained for the bridge. “(4) In 1938 the capital value of the land in the valley served by the crossing was £9lßl, and rates receivable at 1 l-8d in the pound were £43 0s 9d.” Councillor L. A. Higgins expressed surprise that the offer of a subsidy towards the cost of erecting a bridge had not been made in the petition. From discussions with the settlers he had gained the impression that they were prepared to provide a substantial amount of the cost. He considered that without a donation there was little chance of the council providing a bridge.

In reply to a question the Engineer said he considered a concrete bridge could be built to-day for little more than the 1938 estimate. If a two-for-one subsidy was received from the Government and the settlers donated half the council’s share of £ISOO he considered that it would be possible for the council to approve the provision of the bridge. The chairman, Councillor J. Corder, §aid that if the settlers were prepared to find a substantial proportion of the cost the council would have a better case to put before the Government in making application lor a subsidy. He would not sanction the erection of a wooden structure, which would have a life of between 15 and 20 years at the outside. It was resolved that the settlers be informed that the council favoured the provision of a concrete bridge and that they be asked what sum they would be prepared to donate toward' the cost of construction.