THE CAMBRIDGE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE.

Waikato Independent, Volume V, Issue 323, 12 January 1907, Page 5

THE CAMBRIDGE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE.

THE SHIPMENT OF THE

MATERIAL,

A special meeting of the Borough Council was held yesterday afternoon to discuss matters in connection with the above. There were present—Mr E. J. Wilkinson (Deputy-Mayor), Crs J. Hally, G. E. Clark, R. Davies, G. Dickinson, A. P. Stone, J. Ferguson, C. C. Buckland and F. O’Toole. Mr R. Fisher (chairman of the Pukekura Road Board, one of the contributing bodies), and Mr J. E. Fulton, the engineer for the bridge, were also present. The Deputy-Mayor explained that on the 9th inst. the following cable had been sent to Messrs Waddell and Hedrich, the consulting engineers, Kansas City:— “ What vessel bridge shipped ?” A reply had been received as follows-:—“Frank-dale, January 20th ; possibly later,” Cr Clark enquired the cause of the delay in shipping the material for the bridge ; they had been led to believe it would have been forwarded some time

Mr Fulton (who has recently returned from a visit to U.S.A.) said he was sorry for the delay that has taken place, but he was not responsible, as he bad endeavoured to have the material constructed and shipped as speedily as possible. He explained there had been a great demand for steel in the States, and a great rush of work had set in. A slight hitch had also occurred in connection with the financial arrangements. He pointed out that the Council had got the contract signqd just in time ; if they had been a day later they would not have got the work done for the money. Mr Fulton said there was originally a penalty clause in the contract, but it had been struck out. The Council would be within its rights m refusing to accept delivery of the material, as it had not been shipped by the contractors U.S. Steel Exports Products Co.) at due date, but if they did that it would mean a considerable further delay before the erection of the structure was proceeded with.

After hearing Mr Fulton’s explanation, it was resolved, on the motion of the Deputy-Mayor, seconded by Cr. Ferguson, that that gentleman arrange with the shipping agents at Auckland for the delivery of the material, which, consisting of about 300 tons, is anticipated will be landed by the steamer Frankdale towards the end of March, and that he prepare plans and specifications for the concrete foundations, etc., of the bridge, and invite tenders for the erection of the structure.

Mr Fulton said he agreed with arecommendation by Mr Hay, Government engineer, that the size of the concrete blocks should be increased and he would make provision for same in the plans. . The Deputy-Mayor asked how long it would take to erect the bridge when everything was in readiness for commencing the work. Mr Fulton replied, “ about two or three months.”