SAFETY OF BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20392, 22 October 1929, Page 9

SAFETY OF BRIDGE.

ALLEGATIONS DISPROVED.; ' •' . TEST WITH HEAVY LOAD. CONFIDENCE IN ENGINEER. [BX TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. J TE AROHA, Monday. • An allegation that Bailey's bridgjj on Eastport Road was unsafe for traffic and liable to collapse because of inferior workmanship .was .made at the September meeting of the Piako Count ( y Council by a deputation htfaded by Mr. J. D. Mackay. The deputation also alleged that the bridge dropped several inches when motor vehicles passed over it. There was a heated discussion, which was terminated in a state of uproar by a decision to Ic.st the bridge with a 12-ton load. This* afternoon the council adjourned its meeting to witness a test under a 13-ton load. This revealed that the bridge sank seven-eighths of an inch as the loaded lorry passed slowly over it. The council agreed that the test was entirely satisfactory. On resumption of the meeting the chairman, Mr. W. R. Lowry, questioned the right of laymen to criticise the work of an expert bridge builder such as Mr. Horner, the council's engineer, unless evidence could bo produced to prove it was inoxpert. As a result of the attitude of the deputation county residents feared tho bridge was unsafe. After that day's satisfactory test the council in future would listen out of courtesy to ratepayers, but would support its engineer to its fullest capacity. Council Member's Criticism. Mr. Waiters said he did not know what the ratepayers wanted. The bridge was perfectly safe. Mr. Kennedy asked if the average councillor knew anything more about bridges than tho average ratepayer. "It is a flimsy structure," said Mr. Kennedy. "A new trussed bridge such as Bailey's bridge should not sink under a load. As a contractor I have been building bridges all my life, and I know that what I say is right." Tho chairman called Mr. Kennedy to order on the ground that use of the words "flimsy structure" reflected unfairly on 'the engineor. Mr. Kennedy: I said in my opinion it is a flimsy structure and I still say so.. If I am not entitled to express an opinion, then you (the chairman) arc not either. Tho engineer stated that tho clerk had assessed tho cost of the bridge at £447, but the subtractions of certain items reduced it to £385. His estimate was £370. The council—some members of which were ■& always looking for first-class bridges at r second-class prices—had an excellent second-hand bridge for £385, whereas a bridge of standard design would have cdst £llsO. Eetort by Engineer. Mr. Kennedy, referring to a voucher payment, said: "Does'the engineer, suggest we should pay a man £77 to help him to build the bridge?" Tho Engineer (warmly): Mr. Kennedy should be the last person to say the .. bridge is a flimsy structure. He approves - of the plans for this 45ft. bridge over a stream, and then develops the very fine idea of trying to harass the engineer when it is completed.Mr. Kennedy: I object to that. Mr. Walters: Does Mr. Kennedy think , the bridge is not good enough, after .this morning's test ? Mr. Kennedy (heatedly): I think a better bridge could have been built for the money. The discussion ended with tho sftunding by the chairman of a desk bell.