WENDEN CREEK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 173, 1 June 1871, Page 6

WENDEN CREEK.

(Fiom a Conespondent.)

Thursday, May 18.

At this moment the Wenden Creek is running bank high. The rain that has fallen last night and this morning is clearing the snow off the ranges, and is rushing down in frightful torrents. The mail boy did not arrive until this morning, and as I was an eye witness to bis fording the river, I must say that he subjected himself to very great danger; in fact, on one occasion I entertained very doubtful apprehensions of his successful landing. One-half hour later, and an attempt would have been perishable. But the bridge ! the bridge ! the Government bridge! What judicious management at the head of public affairs in Otago, when all the fine weather is allowed to pass, and work such as the bridge over the Wenden Creek' might have been completed with one-half- the expence that it will now- cost when . the weather can't be depended on ior one day. Mr. Gow, the contractor, and Mr. Wallace, the Government Inspector, are indefatigable in their exertions to overcome the many difficulties to be contended with at this season of the year — the greatest of which is ,to obtain the main bottom in the river for the centre pier. The depth is supposed to be about twelve feet, but they are now flooded out for the third time after being within a few feet of the bottom. Of both of these gentlemen, it must be said that every exertion that could be practicably adopted with • a view to facilitate the work has been resorted to, and would no doubt have been attended with success but for the last flood, I understand another effort will be made to find the bottom for the centre pier when the flood subsides, and I have good hopes it will be successful. What a pity the Government neglects such useful work in the fine season, when it could be effected with one-half the outlay.