The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1866.

North Otago Times, Volume VI, Issue 119, 31 May 1866, Page 2

The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1866.

There is one work to which the provinces of Otago and Canterbury must, sooner or later, turn their attentiou, either jointly or separately. It is one which is imperatively demanded now, but which the progressive state of the country is rendering every day that passes more and move so. We allude to the bridging of the Waitaki River. The scheme is not mooted now for the first time ; but although left in comparative abeyance hitherto, it is not to be inferred therefrom that the districts on either side have been the less solicitous for the carrying out of the enterprise. Indeed, a pressure of other weighty subjects — we speak more especially for the Otago side — has alone prevented that agitation which the necessity and importance of the work demand Another reason, doubtless, why it has been so long neglected, may be found in those petty provincial jealousies which are so apt, ever and anon, to stand out in repulsive relief, when questions invohing the welfare of the country generally are discussed. And it is these jealousies, and consequent dissatisfaction amongst the population, which must yet form a powerful lever for the < t -rthiow of the system. At present, it would seem that the one province exerted all its power to prevent its settlers communicating or trading with the other, although sueh communication would mutually benefit both in no trifling degree. Otago surmises, on the one hand, that, if she bridged the liver at her own cost, she would be benefitting her neighbour; on the other hand, Canterbury entertains precisely similar views. There can be no manner of doubt that both sides of the river would reap immense benefits; and the question, therefore, arises — Will not both combine for the general good ? As the advantages will be mutual, let the expense be borne mutually. We should much desire to see the question discussed in the respective Provincial Councils, or some Commission on brhalf of both appointed to inquire into and report upon all the circumstances and questions involved. We are bold enough to hope that their investigations would lead to the project being regarded favorably by both provinces. Those resident in the immediate vicinity of the river are the best qualified to judge ot the necessity and importance of the undertaking ; but it is. not necessary for us now, we should hope, to •.how how great a boon it would prove itself; what an incentive it would be to traffic between the two provinces, or what an impulse it would give to the settlement and sale of lands for many miles on either side of the river. If on these grounds the authorities fail to find sufficient reason fur going on with the work, it is to be hoped that some hoed will be paid by them to the necessity of preventing accidents Up to this time, the cases of drowning in the Waitaki have been far too frequent; and it is to be deplored that so little regard has been paid by our rulers to such a saciifice of life. In this matter alone, the Governments of both provinces have been highly to blame. We hope means will be taken to have the matter fully and freely discussed in both provinces ; and we trust we sh-ill receive the co-operation of Timaru, in order to bring the subject more prominently before the respective Governments. If, at the same time, it were possible to device some scheme for assimilating our many conflicting ordinances, great good would doubtless result from its adoption. Of course it is impossible for us to enter practically into the many points which require to be considered in the erection of bridges, and of this bridge in particular. The size and cha 1 actor of the Waitaki river speak to the employment of an Engineer of undoubted ability. The precise spot at which the bridge would be placed we consider would be a matter of secondary importance ; to obtain a suitable and easv crossing place one would not scruple to go out of his direct route a few miles. What form the bridge should take is also a matter upon which we do not feel competent to offer an opim"6n. This must be decided by a variety of considerations ; the material points, however, are its sufficiency for the purposes for which it is intended, and its security and durability. The nature of the embankment and of the soil in the waterbed, together with the nature of the water shed, or country drained by the river, closely affect the question, and the precise kind of bridge suitable for the Waitaki cannot be fixed upon until a careful survey bas been made. The work we do not consider beyond either the means or the requirements of the Piovinces, but the expense will naturally form a primary consideration. To a scientific skilled engineer the bridging of a river is not at all a formidable undertaking. He understands precisely, when for example the bridge is an arched one, how much Its stability depends on the strength of the abutments and piers, and the balanced equilibrium of the arches. He insists upon proper foundations for these abutments and piers, which sometimes must rest on foundations artificially formed. Then the stability of the structure must be taken into consideration with the forces which will act to destroy it.

This is ascertained by calculating the extreme passing load, the weight of the structure above the arches, and the arches themselves, enabling the engineer to judge what amount of strain or destructive pressure will be exercised by these weights on the several parts of the bridge, and thus to adapt the strength of every point to the strain Then there is the pressure of the stream, which in a bridge over the Waitaki will not be inconsiderable ; this pi'essure must be calculated for the highest floods. From the surface velocity the mean velocity is ascertainable, but the stress on the bridge may be very much diminished by angular . projections from the piers, known as cutwaters. In tidal rivers these " cutwaters " require to be placed ou both sides of the piers. These many considerations will suffice to show how much care and circumspection require to be displayed in bridgiug a river of the size and character of the Waitaki. Although an arched masonic bridge is out of the question, the difficulties in the way of erecting even a wooden structure are not to be lightly regarded ; and we trust that when the project comes to be seriously contemplated, the best available talent will be called into requisition. The country cannot afford to go on with its puWic works as it has done — recklessly planned and insufficiently executed withal — but in the face of this we must not abandon such a project rfs that to which we have alluded when the country demands it.

Since oar last issue several additional names have been mentioned in connexion with the forthcoming election of Mayor. A requisition was set on foot a few days ago in favor of Mn James Ha.ssei,i,. but, in consequence of tlv.it gentleman's having in the interim positively declined to come forward as a Candidate, it has been abandoned. Dn. Wait has also been asked to stand, but we have not ascertained the reply he has made. It is considered probable that he may accept the invitation. Other naraps have been mooted but not knowing on what authoiit}' we deem it piudent to withhold mentioning them for the present. From the inte e.st which is now being aroused, however, on this subject, it is evident that no effort is being spared in hunting up desirable candidates, and it is to be hoped that in the end the choice of the citizens will prove a fortunate one. Should it unhappily end otherwise it will not be on account of inaction on their part, but rather that the best men would not conic forward. It has been suggested to us that the candidates for the office of Mayor should be rigorously catechised on their views as to whether the appointment should be a paid or an honorary one. Doubtless, it will be well that the citizens should stipulate for a full and free expression of opinion on this point ; but we would remind them that the Mayor will not — nay, cannot — influence this question. The Councillors alone decide what salary (if any) the Mayor shall receive. If it be considered desirable to make the appointment an honorary one, the citizens must, theiefoie, return Councillors who favoi that view. In our own opinion, the Mayor, for the present at least, should receive no .salary. The iunds at the disposal of the Council will assuredly not warrant large sums being spent in such a manner. It will be borne in mind that the Town Boaid expires in debt, and this debt will be a first charge on the exchequer of the Corporation, which starts into existence with but L500 in hand. Salui ies to the Tm> n Clei k. Surveyor, 8tc, will soon swallow up the remainder, even supposing no attempt be made to effect any town improvements with a portion of it. If the Mayor should be vuted any remuneration for his services, we thinU it should be by way of houoraiiutn at the end of his teim of office, and only then should the state of the funds wanant such a thing. Hy and by. the aff.irs of the Town might enable the Council to be more generous ; but we advise a tight hold of the purse-strings at the outset of their career. We do not for a moment suppose that the question of salary or no saLuy will enter into the calculations of any one seeking office, who is desirous of promoting the prosperity of Oamaru. We had intended to speak here on the question of levying rates, but mu^t defer doing so till another opportuuity.