THE LATE BRIDGE ACCIDENT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3240, 1 July 1871, Page 2

THE LATE BRIDGE ACCIDENT.

- TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE INDEPENDENT. Sir, — In reference to the late accident that took place ou the night of the 19th instant to tho bridge, Mr Cave states that the contractor is to blame for it. Now, sir, what Mr Cave states is not correct. He states in his letter that tho hand-rail was on when tho two waggons crossed in the rooming j I say they were not. The bridge was in the same state when they crossed as when he crossed, and my own waggon crossed not throe hours before Mr Cave's, with a heavy load of timber for tho bridge, of 25ffc length and 16 x 8. If I had thought the bridge was unsafe I should not have been so foolish as to trust my own team over it. As for Mr Cave saying the weight on his waggon was not so much as has been stated, I say it was too much for any bridge to carry over in the state that bridge has boen in for some time. The total weight i of his team (seven horses) was not less than ten tons, and if the bridge was fit to carry that weight it would not have been necessary to build a now one. Mr Case knew that the bridge was iv a dangerous stute, and had been for some time, and he ought not to have gone on to it with seven horses and a waggon loaded so heavily. I hardly believe he knew the weight he had on, and had I seen his team coming I should not have allowed him to cross that night. I can prove that tho hind wheels of his waggon broke the planks and caused the waggon to fall and break the stringers across. Now he wants compensation for the loss of his horses, but I think I am more entitled to it thau he is, aa I am far the greater loser, haying had my machinery and timber broken, besides extra expense and loss of time with my contract. Apologising for trespassing so much on your space, I remain, &c, J. A. Petherick, Contractor. Grey town, June 29.-