THE RANGITATA BRIDGE FIRE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 5488, 8 January 1907, Page 4

THE RANGITATA BRIDGE FIRE.

At the Ashburton County Council meeting on 'Friday the county overseer reported the destruction of SOQ ■feet of the Rangitata traffic bridge, b lire, on Thursday, 27th December. 'J'he report continued : ‘‘Part of the burn ad portion is now being taken down and a rump is in the course of con jstruction, so as to allow light tralli to pass over the remaining portion the bridge, until such time as tha structure can bo reinstated'' The sec tion of bridge now burned was builfj principally of kauri, which is very inlliimmablo. In the work of reconstruction, I should recommend that Australian hardwood bo used, as it is h.ss subject to lire, and of greater durability. By reducing the roadway to IG feet, instead of 20 feet as at present, tiio- post of reconstruction would probably not exceed £3000." The chairman said this was the greatest calamity that had happened to the county, he thought. The proposed temporary arrangement to be mado provided for the carrying of light traffic—up to a dray, say. It would l)o some six months before the limber for the rebuilding could be landed. Ho had telegraphed to Geraldine County Council.to try and arrange a meeting of the two bodies at the bridge to discuss the matter. He had received no’ reply beyond an acknowledgment, Cr. Grigg advocated the rebuilding of the destroyed portion of the bridge in iron. Or. Lambic thought ferro-con-orote construction should be consider, cd. The chairman drew attention to the proposed narrowing of the bridge. The Council endorsed the chairman’s idea of having a ■ conference with the Geraldine Council on the subject, especially the question of rebuilding In fcrro-concrete 1 or iron—anything except wood. Cr. Stitt asked in regard to the narrowing mentioned in the ■overseer’s report.—The chairman said ■the matter would ho considered with the Geraldine Council. The Council seemed unfavorable. Cr. Lambic advocated llm collecting of all available information.—Ashburton Hail.