SUSPENSION BRIDGE FOR BRUNNERTON

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 301, 14 September 1920, Page 5

SUSPENSION BRIDGE FOR BRUNNERTON

TO REPLACE STRUCTURE THAT C.OLLAPSED. About twelve months ago a suspension bridge connec.tipg two portions of tho borough of Brunncrton collapsed, and was not replaced. Yesterday morning a deputation, consisting of tho Mayor of Brunncrton (Mr. F. Williams), Messrs. J. D, Lynch, and Hallinan. waited on the Minister of Public works, and asked that tho Government should replace the structure. Tho probable cost of the work, it was stated, was about .£IOOO. Mr. Williams explained that the revenue of the borough was very small, and that it would he almost impossible to raise the necessary loan. Fortunately, the majority of the men working nt the Brunncr mine lived on tho mine side of the bridge, but tho mine was fast running out, and a new one, the Dobson mine, was being opened up on the other side of the river. This would in a very little time bo employing the men, and unless the bridge were replaced it would mean a walk of about a mile and a half. Tho railway bridge, which was at present the alternative, would also before very Jong have to be renewed. Mr. Lynch, the owner of the new Dobson raino, said that tho prospects of this property were very bright.. At present about forty men were engaged on the preparatory work, but in a very short time two hundred would be employed in the mine. It was hoped that by November a thousand tons a week would bo taken out. The men who had been working at the Brunner mine all had their cottages, which wero very comfortable places, on Hie far side of the bridge, and there was no chance of their shifting their residence. The Minister arranged for an interview between the deputation and the Public Works engineer-in-chief, and promised to met the members later. He recognised the importance of giving all possible encouragement to the industry.