THE SOUTH ASHBURTON BRIDGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 137, 10 August 1880, Page 2

THE SOUTH ASHBURTON BRIDGE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The letter of your correspondent at Alford Forest, in your issue of July 31st, is certainly such a surprising production that one would naturally look for the letters advt. in brackets at the end, its laudation of Messrs. HilTand Thomas being so very richly laid on. Still, though it may be true that the Pudding Hill bridge is a well finished structure, arid reflects great credit oh all concerned , it is rather too bad of your own correspondent to cast “odorous comparisons” on the equally well constructed bridge over the South Ashburton, which, so far from being constructed of black birch, and quite green, is wholly of iron bark (except the decking, which is of the above-named objectionable material), and, which if not of the very best material, and thoroughly seasoned, is of the usual quality, and as well seasoned as procurable. It is to be feared that the competent judges mentioned by your own, who deplore the penny wise and pound foolish system, with the waste thereby incurred, can know just .about as much as your own himself of matters appertaining to bridge building. In justice to Mr. Butt, the contractor for the. South Ashburton bridge, it'is well that there are others in this district who are not only capable of judging such Works, but are also willing; to, testify to,the faithful manner in which' the work has been carried put. It, is doubtful whether your own’ correspondent has ever seen the South A shburton bridge.-' With ; regard to. Messrs. Hill and Thomas’ guarantee that the Pudding Hill bridge is fully equal to railway traffic, although one does not wish to, decry their judgment, stillit is to be feared that they are not quite proficient enough in engineering to give adecided opinion.' The Pudding Hill bridge is constructed on the same principle as the North Ashburton, and of the same material; and although even tod strong and substantial for ordinary traffic, is still, in some essential points weak with reference tb railway traffic. It is to be regretted that ,the opening of the South Ashburton bridge, which is now finished; will be delayed for some time on account of the contract for the approaches bavin been thrown up, thereby necessitating the calling of fresh tenders.. Perhaps your own correspondent will kindly explain to the uninitiated the style of approach he alludes to as having a “decided outward inclination, allowing sheep, &c., to be driven conveniently along it.”—l am, &c., Piles.