THE NORTH AND SOUTH ASHBURTON BRIDGES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 139, 14 August 1880, Page 2

THE NORTH AND SOUTH ASHBURTON BRIDGES.

To the Editor,

Sir, —As “ Piles ” leaves off by asking questions, I will begin by asking one. Has lie not omitted to notice that the bridges contrasted are both in the Alford Forest district, and that the one at Mount Somers is not even alluded to? The Hood’s crossing bridge is a splendid structure, inferior to none in point of material and workmanship, but the one to which I referred is that over Taylor’s stream, being almost in a line with that over the North Ashburton. The work here, too, is every way praiseworthy, but for the sake of socalled economy, unseasoned black birch has been largely used, which must in the opinion of all in this neighborhood interfere greatly with its durability. There is not the slightest intention of casting imputation upon the contractors. While they have faithfully crrried out their work according to contract, there remains, as 1 stated before, the general opinion that if ironbark had been used as in the North Ashburton, and the one to which “ Piles ” invites comparison, while the cost would have been greater, the extra durability would have well repaid the outlay. With regard to implied advts. “ Good wine needs no bush,” and “ Piles” must not take every expression used in favor of other men’s work as condemnatory of his own. I am, &c., Alford Forest.